Latest ESPN mock draft has the Denver Broncos stealing a potentially generational talent in the 2025 NFL Draft
The latest mock draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper has the Denver Broncos landing a potentially generational talent. Kiper has Denver selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 20 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. From ESPN: I've made it clear how I feel about taking a running back in the first […]
The latest mock draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper has the Denver Broncos landing a potentially generational talent.
Kiper has Denver selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 20 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From ESPN: I've made it clear how I feel about taking a running back in the first round, but I'm not the one making the picks. And make no mistake, Jeanty is going to go in the first round. He's a top-10 prospect with incredible elusiveness. Jeanty piled up 2,601 rushing yards and 29 rushing scores this season.
The Broncos, meanwhile, couldn't establish the run to help out rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Their running backs were in the bottom 10 in rushing yards (1,423), rushing TDs (8) and yards per carry (4.1) in 2024. Lead back Javonte Williams' contract is expiring, and although Denver drafted Audric Estime in the fifth round last April, it could make a Day 1 splash at the position this year. And an added bonus: Jeanty is a great pass catcher out of the backfield, which would give Nix another outlet.
I know a lot of folks aren't fans these days of taking running backs in the first round, but Jeanty should be an exception.
Jeanty produced at a high level all season and seemingly never took a play off. Not only is he a dynamic runner with impressive burst, but he plays with relentless effort (the type of mentality that a player needs to perform at a championship level).
The Philadelphia Eagles are a much better team in 2024 because they landed a generational talent at running back in Saquon Barkley in the offseason.
Running backs have been devalued in recent years, but they can still be difference makers. Barkley is proof. And Jeanty could be that type of player in Denver.
Broncos fans should hope Jeanty falls to No. 20. He could be the missing piece that helps Denver get over the hump in 2025.
