The closer we get to the 2025 NFL Draft, the more we're going to hear about the Chicago Bears and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty being a match made in heaven.
New head coach Ben Johnson could view Jeanty as his missing piece to the offense, and the Bears would then be bringing in the best running back in this draft class. How likely is it that Jeanty falls to the Bears, though?
We have heard and read, by now, many reports of the Bears supposedly loving Jeanty. But, there still needs to be a path for him to fall to Chicago at no. 10 overall.
Fortunately, things appear to be trending in that direction.
We know that, beyond anything crazy unfolding, the top three picks are likely to be a combination of Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. But, what about the next six teams picking before the Bears?
Not only do the Bears love Ashton Jeanty, but teams drafting ahead of them might be leaning in another direction
There is truly reason to believe the teams drafting ahead of Chicago are not going to end up going with Jeanty.
New England is after Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter, otherwise an offensive lineman
ESPN's Matt Miller recently commented on the Patriots' current plans:
"New England would be happy with either Hunter or Carter, should they be available. But what if they aren't? Keep an eye on offensive tackle Armand Membou( Missouri). The Patriots have done a lot of work on him, so Membou could be in play early."
The Jaguars look to be in on one of two positions in the first round
In the above-mentioned piece, Miller also wrote that there's an expectation for Jacksonville to take defensive tackle Mason Graham at no. 5 overall, but that they very well could go offensive lineman. Not once have we heard anything concrete in regards to Jacksonville and Jeanty.
The Raiders might not be in position to draft Ashton Jeanty
In one of his latest video segments, NFL insider Albert Breer commented on the idea of Las Vegas taking Jeanty and didn't seem crazy about it.
“I don’t know if the Raiders right now are in a position to draft a running back that high," Breer noted.
"I look at where they are from a roster standpoint ... the way I see it, I think they still have to build the guts of that team up," Breer finished.
The Jets, Panthers and Saints are all invested in their current running back group
New York has Breece Hall and Braelon Allen in the fold. Carolina has now paid both Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. The Saints are still committed to Alvin Kamara for 2025 and have far too many other needs (hello, quarterback).
So, then, we have the Bears at no. 10.
It doesn't sound so crazy, does it? In fact, it seems highly logical to believe the Bears indeed have a chance at Jeanty. Not only that, but we know that Chicago loves him.
This is all a recipe for Bears fans to come away from the NFL Draft as thrilled as ever.
