When it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft, predicting player destinations can be a wild ride. While most draft analysts believe Boise State's star running back, Ashton Jeanty, won’t still be available when the Denver Broncos are on the clock at pick No. 20, anything can happen on draft night. After all, surprises and last-minute trades are part of what makes the NFL Draft one of the most exciting events in football.
Interestingly, not everyone sees Jeanty going off the board before Denver's pick. NFL.com's Bucky Brooks is among those who believe the Broncos might actually land the electrifying running back. In his latest mock draft, Brooks places Jeanty in Denver, and he’s got some compelling reasoning behind it.
"Jeanty is special, and his presence could ignite an offense primed to challenge Kansas City's longstanding AFC West supremacy as soon as next season," Brooks wrote in his breakdown for NFL.com. That’s high praise, and it underscores the potential impact Jeanty could bring to a team like Denver, which is searching for playmakers to shake up the division.
A Broncos Backfield in Need of Firepower
Running back is a key area of concern for the Broncos heading into the 2025 season. The team met with Jeanty at the NFL Combine, signaling that they recognize his talent and could be seriously considering him as a target. However, with his stock rising, Denver may need to make a move to secure him. Staying put at No. 20 might not be enough if Jeanty is on multiple teams' radars.
The Tight End Market Heats Up
While Jeanty is a big name linked to Denver, other teams are also making notable moves in mock drafts. Before the Broncos' selection, Penn State’s standout tight end, Tyler Warren, is projected to go at No. 14 to the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, just two picks after Denver, the Los Angeles Chargers are slotted to take Michigan’s Colston Loveland at No. 22.
Tight end and running back have been hot commodities in mock drafts this spring, and Denver has been frequently associated with both positions. This suggests that if Jeanty isn’t available when the Broncos pick, the team could pivot to another offensive weapon to bolster its attack.
What Would It Take to Land Jeanty?
If Denver is truly interested in securing Jeanty, they might have to consider trading up. With several teams eyeing running backs early in the draft, waiting until pick No. 20 could be too risky. The Broncos’ front office will have to evaluate whether moving up is worth the cost or if they should address other key positions and find a different solution for the backfield later in the draft.
A Game-Changing Addition
There's no doubt that Jeanty has the potential to be a difference-maker at the next level. His blend of speed, vision, and versatility makes him a coveted asset. Pairing him with a solid offensive line and a capable quarterback could help elevate Denver’s offense in a way that fans have been craving.
Will the Broncos pull the trigger and make a move to land Jeanty? Or will another team swoop in and grab him before Denver gets a chance? The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be full of drama, and Broncos fans will be watching closely to see if Jeanty ends up in orange and blue.
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