Ashton Jeanty NFL Draft rumors: 2 teams that could likely contend for Boise State RB
While the NFL Draft has been strongly trending away from high values on running backs, Boise State's Ashton Jeanty is a game-changer. The talented back is putting up collegiate numbers not seen in a generation.
NFL squads are certainly watching Jeanty. In fact, here are two teams rumored to be giving some serious consideration to the back, and linked to him in NFL Draft rumors.
2 teams commonly named in Ashton Jeanty NFL Draft rumors
Denver Broncos
First, there's the geographical link. For a player who is tearing up college football in rural Boise, Idaho, the Broncos have a fan base that will certainly be familiar with Jeanty's work. Of course, familiarity isn't the deciding factor, but it's the most obvious one.
There's a need here. Denver's top back, Javonte Williams, will be a free agent after the season, so the Broncos could use a running back.
Meanwhile, with Bo Nix at quarterback, there's a real passing threat so that Jeanty doesn't have to do everything for Denver. Jeanty is also a very competent receiver, so he wouldn't have to come off the field on third downs.
Finally, there's the internal history here. Sean Payton knows how to handle a do-everything back. Consider the success he had plugging Alvin Kamara into the Saints offense not so many years ago.
Payton's track record and Jeanty's production say he could be a perfect fit to plug and play in Denver right away.
Pittsburgh Steelers
In the current pass-happy era of the NFL, many teams don't tend to rely heavily on their running backs. But the Steelers are one of the teams with a consistent commitment to the ground game. The culture is one that would value and use Jeanty, and that's no small part of the overall fit.
While Najee Harris currently has the RB1 spot locked down, he'll be a free agent after this season. Harris is probably playing his way out of being able to re-sign with the Steelers, and Jeanty could be a budget alternative.
Additionally, while the Steelers clearly like backup Jaylen Warren, they could have an alternative back rather than going all-in on Jeanty.
In this day and age, even in the instances where a running back is considered worthy of a high NFL Draft selection, teams often like to leave themselves an alternative at the running back position.
Warren could be the sort of insurance policy that would make the Steelers more likely to gamble on Jeanty. Pittsburgh is almost certain to be in the midst of the Ashton Jeanty NFL Draft rumors.
Which teams do you think might try to nab Ashton Jeanty? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!