As the Chicago Bears finalize their 2025 NFL Draft plans, running back Ashton Jeanty is at the center of them. When Ben Johnson officially implements his new offense, he would love to have an explosive player to build around like Jeanty.
However, there is a chance the Heisman Trophy runner-up isn’t available when the Bears pick at No. 10. He has gone to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 in numerous industry-wide mock drafts. Furthermore, as the consensus No. 1 running back in the draft, any team with a clear need at the position will certainly have their eye on him.
Still, Chicago must be cautious when it comes to their selection. Whoever they take in the first-round will help define the Johnson era and set the stage for the rest of the Bears’ 2025 draft class. Because of that, Marc Silverman of Shaw Local argues that Chicago should avoid using their No. 10 overall pick on Jeanty.
“The top running back salary is $20 million per year. In the meantime, the top edge rusher makes $40 million per year and the top offensive linemen salaries are approaching $30 million,” Silverman wrote. “Why draft a less valuable player so high, especially when guys like Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs and Aaron Jones were available in free agency just last year? Three of them were signed for less than $10 million per year.”
“I’m not trying to sell you that the Bears should pass on drafting a running back, just one in the first round. Add an edge, defensive tackle or offensive tackle at No. 10 and grab a back with picks 39, 41 or 72.”
“Drafting a running back in the first round is the move you make as the cherry atop the sundae. Problem is, the Bears don’t have enough ice cream yet,” Silverman concluded.
Risks of drafting Ashton Jeanty
To many in the NFL world, selecting a running back with a first-round pick is a major risk, let alone using a top 10 selection on one. Jeanty is a world-class prospect and one of the most heralded running backs in recent NFL Draft history. However, he isn’t the only starting caliber running back in the class.
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams finished seventh in rushing in 2024, running for 1,299 yards. He was a fifth-round pick in 2022. Obviously, he is an outlier for success and the Bears can’t count on finding their star rusher in the later rounds. However, it just goes to show that star running back can be found from multiple different angles in the NFL.
Outside of just pure position, the Bears selecting Jeanty changes their entire draft board. They have three more picks at No. 39, No. 41 and No. 72. But they’re risking the offensive or defensive lineman they desire not being there. Chicago makes out with the best running back in the class, but could hurt the talent of depth across their roster. The idea of drafting one of the elite wide receivers early alongside Jeanty could take a hit if the Bears are determined to continue bolstering the trenches with strong talent.
Still, no one would truly fault the Bears if Jeanty’s name was called at No. 10. They’ll just have to consider how their franchise would look in the short and long-term.
Ashton Jeanty completely changes Chicago Bears
Whether it’s with the Bears or another franchise, there’s no doubting what Jeanty brings to the NFL. Even if he doesn’t go top 10, he won’t fall much further and will undoubtedly be the first running back off the board. Any team selecting him is expecting Jeanty to immediate come in and be the team’s rushing leader.
During his final season at Boise State, Jeanty ran for an FBS-leading 2,601 yards and a mind-blowing 29 touchdowns. Alongside his Heisman runner-up, Jeanty was named the Maxwell, Doak Walker and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award winner alongside being a Unanimous All-American.
In Chicago, Jeanty would immediately be the thunder to D’Andre Swift’s lightning. While the latter nearly rushed for 1,000 yards in his Bears debut, he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. The Bears could instead use Swift in a passing role while allowing Jeanty to dominate on the early downs.
If that possibility will actually come to fruition all comes down to how the board plays out. But if Jeanty is available at No. 10, general Ryan Poles and company will have a major decision to make.
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1 Comment
If Jeanty is there when the Bears pick, you take him. Don’t overthink this.