By james art 
State State and Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty is expected by most NFL draft experts to be the first taken in April’s NFL draft. It’s easy to see why after seeing Jeanty show his ability to break tackles, compiling 1,970 yards after contact in 2024.
Longtime ESPN Project Guru Mel Kiper released his first mock for the 2025 season this week. While Kiper has Giananti as the first running back to be drafted this year, his projections see the two-time Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year sitting next to the 20th overall pick belonging to the Denver Broncos. Other industry experts have predicted that Jeanty has reached #6.
Kiper is generally a believer in the idea that teams shouldn’t look for running backs in the first round. However, he noted that Jeanty’s exemplary ability makes him a first-round shoe among this crop of players.
“He’s a top-10 prospect with incredible elusiveness … Meanwhile, the Broncos couldn’t establish the run to help rookie quarterback Bo Nick. 8) and yards per carry (4.1) in 2024.” – Mel Kiper, ESPN
Jeanty led the FBS in rushing yards in 2024. with 2,601 and finished second in rushing yards with 29. He also won the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award in 2024. Jeanty led Boise State to a 12-2 record, a second consecutive Mountain West Conference Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Denver ended the 2024 NFL regular season by losing to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
The 2025 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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