Is Ashton Jeanty the Next Big Dynasty RB? A Deep Dive into His Rookie Potential

The NFL is a league constantly searching for the next superstar, and the running back position is no exception. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one name is generating significant buzz: Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. After a historic college career, the question on everyone’s mind is: Is Ashton Jeanty the next big dynasty RB?

A Collegiate Career for the Ages

Ashton Jeanty’s journey to becoming an NFL prospect is unique. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, his family moved frequently due to his father’s service in the U.S. Navy, including a stint in Italy where he first played organized football. Despite not receiving major offers initially, he chose Boise State, a program with a strong track record of producing NFL running backs.

Jeanty’s career at Boise State was nothing short of spectacular. In 2024, he rushed for 2,601 yards, just 27 yards shy of Barry Sanders’ single-season FBS record. He also scored 29 rushing touchdowns, breaking the school record previously held by Jay Ajayi. Jeanty’s performance earned him the Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, and runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

By the Numbers: Dominance Defined

Jeanty’s statistical dominance extends beyond just rushing yards and touchdowns. He led the nation with 1,970 yards after contact and 164 forced missed tackles, showcasing his elusiveness and power. His 7.3 yards per carry in 2024 was among the highest in the nation.

Strengths: A Three-Down Threat

Jeanty’s strengths make him an appealing prospect for NFL teams:

Vision and Instincts: Jeanty displays outstanding vision as a zone runner, quickly diagnosing creases and displaying excellent patience. He runs with rare instincts, consistently setting up defenders to fail.
Contact Balance: Jeanty possesses exceptional contact balance, bouncing off tackles and maintaining his speed. He is a physical runner who often requires multiple defenders to bring him down.
Elusiveness: Jeanty is highly elusive, making it challenging for defenders to square up against him. His lateral agility and burst allow him to make defenders miss in the open field.
Pass-Catching Ability: Jeanty has natural hands and is a reliable target on screens, wheel routes, and rail routes. He caught 43 passes in 2023, demonstrating his ability to contribute in the passing game.
Versatility: Jeanty’s skill set allows him to be a three-down back, capable of running, catching, and pass-protecting.

Weaknesses: Addressing the Concerns

Despite his impressive resume, Jeanty has some weaknesses that NFL teams will consider:

Size: At 5’9″ and 211 pounds, Jeanty is slightly undersized for a traditional NFL feature back. This may raise concerns about his ability to handle a heavy workload and excel in short-yardage situations.
Pass Protection: While willing, Jeanty’s lack of size and length may limit his effectiveness as a pass protector.
Route Tree: While effective as a receiver, Jeanty’s route tree could benefit from further refinement to maximize his receiving potential.

NFL Comparisons: Hall of Fame Potential?

Jeanty’s playing style has drawn comparisons to several successful NFL running backs. ESPN’s Matt Miller compared him to Alvin Kamara, citing their similar stature and running styles. CBS Sports compared Jeanty to a more compact version of Steven Jackson, highlighting his potential as a capable pass-catcher and engine of an NFL offense. Some scouts see Marshawn Lynch-type vibes in Jeanty’s powerful and relentless running style. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares Jeanty to LaDainian Tomlinson. Bijan Robinson agreed with Athlon Sports’ comparison of himself to Jeanty.

Dynasty Rookie Rankings: A Top Pick

In dynasty fantasy football leagues, Ashton Jeanty is considered a top prospect. Many analysts rank him as the 1.01 pick in rookie drafts, even in Superflex formats. His combination of talent, production, and projected draft capital makes him a highly coveted asset for dynasty owners.

Draft Projection: Where Will He Land?

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Jeanty is projected to be a first-round pick. Some mock drafts have him being selected as high as No. 6 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, a team looking to establish a physical running game under new head coach Pete Carroll. Other potential landing spots include the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers.

The Verdict: Dynasty Potential is High

Is Ashton Jeanty the next big dynasty RB? While there are no guarantees in the NFL, Jeanty possesses the talent, skills, and work ethic to become a star. His exceptional vision, contact balance, and versatility make him a threat as both a runner and receiver. If he lands in the right situation with a team that utilizes his strengths, Ashton Jeanty has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.