Just as it started to feel like superstar running backs were about to be phased out of the NFL, a resurgence has taken place at the position over the last few years, and Ashton Jeanty is here to ensure that it continues.
The No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty put together one of the best seasons in college football history for a running back last year at Boise State, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Colorado two-way unicorn, Travis Hunter.
It takes a special prospect to warrant a top-10 pick at the position, but Jeanty was widely regarded as perhaps the best player in the entire draft, regardless of position, alongside the likes of Hunter and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter.
On the latest episode of "Best Podcast Available," I sat down with ESPN's Louis Riddick to talk about this year's rookie class, and he couldn't contain his praise and excitement for the Las Vega Raiders' new featured back.
Ashton Jeanty should hit the ground running in Vegas.
Ashton Jeanty should hit the ground running in Vegas.
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
"Of all the player interviews we did this year for TV, there was not a single one that was more impressive than Ashton Jeanty, by far. By far." Riddick said, with particular emphasis on that last phrase.
Jeanty had already built plenty of buzz for himself heading into the 2024 college football season, but despite expectations that he would likely transfer to a powerhouse program for a hefty NIL sum, he opted to remain with the Broncos, helping to lead them to the College Football Playoff.
"You sit there and you go, 'How in the hell did Boise (State) keep this kid from transferring?' And he said, 'Look, I could've gone anywhere I wanted and gotten paid a boatload.' And he never left. He never even considered it," Riddick said.
Jeanty's football journey included time spent in Italy, where his father was stationed in with the U.S. Navy, then in Texas before spending his college years in Boise.
"They guy is as grounded . . . his story is awesome, from the time he spent overseas, because of his family being in the military, and then he comes back to Texas," Riddick said. "It's an incredible, incredible story."
Ashton Jeanty put up historic numbers for Boise State last season.
Ashton Jeanty put up historic numbers for Boise State last season.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
An absolute bowling ball of a runner, Jeanty's stout, power-packed frame made him impossible for a single defender to tackle on his own at the college level, and his breakaway speed made him a constant threat to take any touch to the end zone. His well-rounded skill set as both a runner and a receiver, as well as his willingness to contribute as a blocker, make him the most complete running back prospect any NFL team could hope for coming out of the college ranks.
"When you look at him physically, in person, he's just built like a tank," Riddick said. "No body fat, limber as hell, great quickness, catches the ball, will block, he's got home-run speed."
In Vegas, Jeanty finds himself playing for a new head coach in Pete Carroll, who has a history of prioritizing the run game in terms of offensive philosophy.
"If there was ever a guy who was a perfect match for Pete Carroll, that's it," Riddick said. "There it is, right there."
Perhaps the most impressive part of Jeanty's historic 2024 season at Boise State was the fact that he put up such ridiculous production despite consistently facing loaded boxes, as opposing defenses threw everything at the line of scrimmage in a futile attempt to slow him down.
Ashton Jeanty is a perfect fit for new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll.
Ashton Jeanty is a perfect fit for new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll.
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
His competition will obviously be more stiff in the NFL, but Riddick believes it won't take much from his supporting cast to ensure Jeanty makes a big impact right away for the Raiders, even to the point where he could chase some more football history as a rookie.
"If they can get him some running lanes, if they can get people to back off a little bit to where it's not always a eight-man, nine-man box, he will be . . . simply because of the philosophy out there that you know Pete and (offensive coordinator) Chip (Kelly) are trying to employ in Vegas . . . he'll be a 1,700 or 1,800-yard rusher. And to me, when you're talking about 1,800 yards, you're talking about maybe breaking Eric Dickerson's rookie rushing record. I think that can happen, I really do."
No matter what happens this season, Riddick has high expectations for Jeanty as he makes the transition to the pros, and it's just as much about his on-field talent as the intangibles and mental traits he brings to the table.
"I believe in the kid, I believe in the player," Riddick said.
To see the entire conversion, including a deep dive on the entire 2025 rookie class, check out the full episode of BPA here: