One of the biggest NFL Draft debates will kick into top gear when the order is firmed up after Week 18.
Just how high should teams be willing to select a potential generational talent at running back?
GettyAshton Jeanty was on the brink of greatness but fell short[/caption]
In today’s pass-happy NFL, teams after often scorned for addressing the position anywhere in the first round.
But with the greatest college rusher since Barry Sanders entering the Draft, all bets are off.
Ashton Jeanty entered Tuesday’s Fiesta Bowl just 132 yards shy of the Hall of Famer’s single-season NCAA rushing record of 2,601 yards.
The Boise State phenom finished with finished with 104 yards on the ground and two fumbles as Penn State stacked the box en route to a 31-14 triumph.
Sanders sent a good luck message to Jeanty before the game but his 36-year record remains in tact after the rising star finished on 2,497.
Jeanty’s final college season comfortably eclipses some of the best to ever do it.
Derrick Henry (2015 – 2,219), Jonathan Taylor (2018 – 2,194), Christian McCaffrey (2015 – 2,009) LaDainian Tomlinson (2000 – 2,158), and Ricky Williams (1998 – 2,124) all don’t come close.
Recent trends have seen RBs fall down draft boards – Jonathan Brooks was the first name called in 2024 when he went to the Carolina Panthers in the second round.
Bijan Robinson went eighth in 2023 and Jeanty is expected to have a shot at joining him as a top-10 pick.
Fans on X suggested the prospect’s display against a tough Penn State defense might see him slide down boards.
But respected NFL Network Draft specialist Daniel Jeremiah isn’t concerned.
“Jeanty is a stud,” he wrote. “Nothing tonight changes that opinion. He’s not a product of a weak schedule. I’m old enough to remember the Oregon game.”
Jeanty rushed for 226 yards and a score against Oregon in November and soon later revealed his dream draft spot – America’s Team the Dallas Cowboys.
“My family’s all in Texas,” he said on Kickin It With Dee. “All of the connections, all of the relationships, I just feel that would be the perfect city to play in.”
The Cowboys are in need of a running back and have previous with high selections at the position.
Ezekiel Elliott – the No. 4 pick in 2016 – was released on Tuesday as he looks to have a run on a playoff contender.
The Cowboys have struggled in the backfield all season and, with a 7-9 record going into Week 18, are currently set to land the 13th overall pick.
That could be the prime range for a shot at Jeanty as all of the teams above them have more pressing needs.
“Ashton Jeanty’s the best football player in the country, period. Point blank,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said after their Bowl loss. “You’re always ready for those explosive plays. We believe in wearing a defense out.
“But it’s hard when you’re digging yourself out of a two-score (hole).”
Jeanty’s name will be heard a lot between now and April’s Draft.
It is likely that whatever team does take a shot will be criticized and told they had bigger needs.
That was the general consensus when the Detroit Lions took Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th pick in 2023 – it is unlikely head coach Dan Campbell would consider a re-do as he plots a Super Bowl run.
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talkSPORT will bring you live coverage across Week 18 with a double header featuring the Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions.