People often forget this about the NFL. It isn’t just teams scouting players in free agency and the NFL draft. Players are also scouting teams. Center Drew Dalman admitted he had his eyes on the Chicago Bears long before free agency started, being a big admirer of their new head coach, Ben Johnson. That is why the deal between the two sides came together so quickly. It appears he isn’t the only player who has watched them carefully in recent months. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is another.
The Heisman finalist had a season for the ages in 2024, coming incredibly close to breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record and carrying the Broncos to their first-ever college football playoff appearance. Many see him as one of the few can’t-miss prospects in this class and a safe bet to go in the top half of the 1st round. While many predict the Las Vegas Raiders taking him at #6 overall, it seems as if Jeanty has a preference of his own. A recent Instagram post confirmed as much.
Ashton Jeanty isn’t bothering to hide his interest.
The running back first shouted them out last month around the time of the scouting combine. Chicago was the only team he mentioned by name when asked about going in the top 10. That was the first flag to be raised. Now he’s liking a post about new Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy doing work with Adrian Peterson during their time in Minnesota together. Coincidences are hard to justify this time of year. Everybody remembers what happened with Rome Odunze last spring. It sure feels like either Ashton Jeanty really wants to play for the Bears or likely has reasonable assurance he will be their pick next month. It would mark the first time in 20 years the organization has taken a running back in the 1st round. Will he be the next Matt Forte or Cedric Benson? We will soon find out.
Who is the game changer that will score many TDs?
Maybe more TDs in a single game than Gayle Sayers?
If there’s one position this draft is stacked at, it’s RB. Don’t waste a pick on Jeanty. I’m really hoping the Bears can trade the pick. They need depth all over the place plus, need more pass rush and a Safety.
Is Jeanty also hinting that the Bears might trade up to grab him? Poles wanted to do it last year for Dunze. If Johnson wants him what does it take to move into the top 5? It was speculated early on that this is a prime year (should be cheaper) to move up because of the lack of elite talent at the top.
At overthecap.com I just comped a trade of Bears #10 and Jags #5. Lots of ways to make this happen. How much would it actually cost and is Jeanty worth it.
As much as many of us would love for this to happen, it won’t, I think the Raiders grab Jeanty at pick 6.
Big $$ goes to QB, WR, CB, DE and OT. So, is Poles going to spend big $$ retaining B. Jones next year or get the new LT in place now? Pretty sure the goal is to get an OT but if their guy isn’t there then trade down if possible or BPA, which could be DE unless Ben is in love with Jeanty or Warren.