Do you remember there was a time when the former Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty came off as a big threat for Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter? The day was December 6. He ran for a 75-yard touchdown to help the Broncos go up 21-0 on UNLV. That’s when The Athletic’s Chris Vannini targeted Jeanty and wrote, “Big 12 counter-programming Ashton Jeanty.” Sadly, the tables turned for the RB. He failed to bag the Heisman Trophy. But at least he had one of the most historic seasons for any running back. So, it’s obvious that the NFL suitors are swarming around him.

However, something is pulling the NFL scouts back while they are pursuing him. That’s when a draft expert praised Jeanty, giving the 32 programs some FOMO feels. Meanwhile, Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears are desperate to hunt the RB down. What if they don’t? They can count on a 2779-yard RB.

Ashton Jeanty joins the legends in comparison

Jeanty’s NFL plans started early. Carrying the Michael Myers tag in college football, he was still running in the Heisman race when he had his eyes stuck in the pro league. Back in November last year, he shared about his interest in landing with the Arizona Cardinals. Jeanty confessed, “I could get down with Kyler [Murray].” But what made him choose Jonathan Gannon’s squad? “You know we’re going to be the shortest backfield in the NFL.” It turns out that Jeanty’s dream is not going to come true. As per the latest mock draft, the former Boise State running back is likely to land with the Las Vegas Raiders. The RB is coming off as a dark horse with a strong resume of having racked up 2,602 yards and 29 touchdowns. But it’s not going to be a bed of roses walking into the pro league. 

On April 9, draft analyst Dane Brugler made an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. That’s when he drew a bleak picture: “Not every team is going to be comfortable drafting a running back that high. But Jeanty, when teams talk about him, they talk about him like Saquon Barkley and how we talked about Bijan Robinson. A guy that could be a true difference maker.” Well, Jeanty is not new in the comparison game. He already surpassed the past three Heisman winners’ records, including those of Reggie Bush, Derrick Henry, and Mark Ingram. But being compared to pro-level running backs is new for him. 

Jeanty was a one-man demolition derby every week on the field in 2024. Time to take a look at the numbers. Jeanty comes off with a breakaway percentage of 47.3% and 4.78. For Saquon Barkley, it’s 54.9% and 3.51, while Bijian Robinson holds a percentage of 43.3% and 4.40. At his Pro Day, the Boise State RB did turn heads with his catching talents and positional workouts. As Brugler shared, “We don’t have a 40-yard dash for him. He put everything on tape. Ashton Jeanty is going to go somewhere in that top 10.” Want some more comparisons?

Well, Barkley had the fastest 40-yard dash time of the group at 4.40 seconds, while Robinson ran 4.46. Jeanty is probably not that fast, but you never know. As long as he’s around the 4.50 club, speed won’t be deemed a negative on his draft profile. Now, this might lead Poles to get hold of Jeanty by hook or crook. But it’s high time they have a backup plan ready.

Chicago Bears’ Plan B if Ashton Jeanty plan falls out 

The Chicago Bears have been linked to the electrifying Boise State running back for weeks ahead of this month’s 2025 NFL Draft. The 5-foot-9 and 215-pound Jeanty has already picked up the hype. Now, as the Bears go on the clock at No. 10 overall, Jeanty will be already gone. Well, the desperation is justified. After all, Poles has to look for someone who has the potential to elevate both quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears’ entire offense. Turns out that there is no need for so much panic. That’s because Jeanty is not the only difference-making running back available in a deep draft class at the position. Then, on whom can the Bears count?

Pro Football Focus NFL analyst Mason Cameron came up with a backup plan for Chicago. In that list, Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson can be a hot target for Poles and co. Although Johnson doesn’t have the breakaway speed that Jeanty has, he still has the potential upside to be a reliable all-purpose back. In the 2024 season, he racked up 1,537 yards and recorded 21 rushing touchdowns. And in his three years in Iowa, he came up with 2779 yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. 

Mason Cameron thus tried to lighten things up for the Chicago Bears. “There is no need to panic. Johnson would be a solid option for one of Chicago’s two second-round selections. He is a physically gifted back with top-tier speed-to-power conversion that allowed him to notch top-percentile marks in elusive rating (131.5) and yards after contact per attempt (4.42) last season.” Meanwhile, the Raiders are likely to come up with a master plan to take Ashton Jeanty home. Holding the No. 6 overall pick, they are not likely to target the ex-Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers after his rocky 2024 season. That’s when Jeanty will get the green pass!