Scouting Report: Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State (2025 Draft Class)

Ashton Jeanty has rapidly established himself as one of the most explosive and versatile running backs in college football. At Boise State, Jeanty has showcased his dynamic playmaking ability both as a runner and a receiver, making him a legitimate offensive weapon. Though not the biggest back, his compact build, impressive balance, and quickness allow him to excel as both a downhill runner and a perimeter threat. Jeanty’s skill set makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a do-it-all back who can impact the game in multiple ways.

Vitals

• Height: 5’9″
• Weight: 205 lbs
• Class: Sophomore
• Projected Draft Range: Early 1st Round

Strengths

• Explosive Burst and Acceleration: Jeanty’s acceleration is among the best in this year’s running back class. He can reach top speed quickly, allowing him to burst through holes and turn short gains into big plays. His initial burst makes him especially dangerous on outside zone runs and in space, where he can use his speed to outrun defenders.
• Impressive Vision and Patience: Jeanty has a great sense of timing and can read blocks well, allowing him to identify running lanes and patiently wait for them to open. His ability to make quick decisions and set up blockers is a key part of his game, enabling him to gain consistent yardage even in congested situations.
• Balance and Contact Resilience: Despite his smaller frame, Jeanty has excellent balance and lower body strength, which allow him to absorb contact and stay on his feet. His low center of gravity and strong legs make it difficult for defenders to bring him down with arm tackles, allowing him to pick up yards after contact.
• Receiving Ability: Jeanty is a versatile receiving threat out of the backfield. He runs precise routes and has soft hands, making him an ideal option for screen passes, swing routes, and even deeper routes in certain packages. His pass-catching ability adds a valuable dimension to his game, making him a potential three-down back at the next level.
• Quick Cuts and Elusiveness: Jeanty’s lateral agility and quick footwork enable him to make sharp cuts and avoid defenders with ease. He’s difficult to tackle one-on-one in the open field and has the shiftiness to create space even when the initial hole isn’t there. This skill makes him a consistent threat to break off big runs.

Areas for Improvement

• Top-End Speed: While Jeanty has excellent acceleration, his long speed is not elite. He may struggle to fully outrun NFL defensive backs on long runs, which could limit his potential as a home-run threat at the next level. Improving his straight-line speed would make him even more dangerous.
• Pass Protection: Like many college running backs, Jeanty will need to improve his pass-blocking skills to be a true three-down back in the NFL. He’s willing to engage blockers, but his technique and awareness need refinement. Developing this area will help him stay on the field in passing situations.
• Size and Durability Concerns: At 5’9″ and 205 pounds, Jeanty is slightly undersized for an every-down NFL running back. While his build gives him excellent balance and agility, his size could raise durability concerns over the course of a full NFL season, particularly given the physical nature of the pro game.
• Limited Power: Jeanty isn’t the type of back who will consistently move piles or break through multiple tacklers. While he has good balance and can slip through arm tackles, he’s not a power runner who will thrive in short-yardage situations. He’ll need to find ways to avoid contact at the next level rather than powering through it.

NFL Comparison

Ashton Jeanty’s style of play draws comparisons to players like Austin Ekeler and Aaron Jones. Like Ekeler, he’s an undersized but dynamic back with great receiving skills and burst, capable of being a big-play threat in space. With the right offensive scheme, Jeanty could be used in a similar way to maximize his strengths and find the end zone very often.

Summary

Ashton Jeanty is an explosive, versatile running back with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His ability to excel as both a runner and receiver makes him a valuable asset, especially in today’s pass-heavy league where versatile backs are prized. While his size and top-end speed may limit his ceiling somewhat, Jeanty’s burst, vision, and receiving prowess will make him a useful weapon in a well-designed offense. If he can improve his pass-blocking and add a bit more strength, he could become a consistent contributor and one of the more dynamic backs in his class.