Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos
Broncos Eye Draft-Day Splash, Could Trade Up for Dynamic Boise State Star
The Denver Broncos enter the 2025 NFL Draft with flexibility—and perhaps even urgency—as they look to bolster a backfield in need of a game-changer. With their sights reportedly set on Boise State’s electric running back Ashton Jeanty, Denver may need to get aggressive to land their guy.
Jeanty, widely projected to go in the top 10-12 picks, is unlikely to still be available when the Broncos are on the clock at No. 20. That’s why Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling floated a bold proposal in his latest mock draft: Denver trading up with the San Francisco 49ers to the 11th overall spot to snatch Jeanty before a team like the Cowboys—who also need a featured back—can.
Easterling likened the move to the Detroit Lions’ 2023 gamble on Jahmyr Gibbs, a decision that paid off in a big way. “Jeanty absolutely has the elite talent to make a Jahmyr Gibbs-like impact at the next level,” he wrote, adding that the Broncos could part with a second-rounder to make the leap.
It’s easy to see why Denver would consider it. Jeanty tore through college defenses last season, racking up 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging a blistering 7.0 yards per carry on 374 attempts. That included a jaw-dropping 192-yard, 3-touchdown performance against a top-10 Oregon defense—proof that he can shine even against elite competition.
Despite concerns about the level of opposition he faced in the Mountain West, Jeanty’s tape and production speak volumes. He’s not just a home-run hitter—he’s a three-down back with vision, balance, and burst.
For a Broncos team that has lacked a true difference-maker at running back in recent years, Jeanty could be the kind of player who reinvigorates Sean Payton’s offense. If Denver’s front office is serious about surrounding their next quarterback—whoever that may be—with a strong supporting cast, trading up for Jeanty could be a franchise-altering move.
Don’t be surprised if the Broncos make headlines on draft night. They’ve got a need, a plan, and a target—and Ashton Jeanty might just be worth the price to go get him.
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