Taking a running back in the 1st round is a strategy that has soured in recent years as teams discovered it isn’t difficult to generate productive ground attacks with later picks or even undrafted free agents. The Chicago Bears joined this thinking earlier than most due to a string of ugly misses in the 1st round from Rashaan Salaam in 1995 to Curtis Enis in 1998 and Cedric Benson in 2005. Since then, they have never come close to trying again. However, that drought is on the cusp of ending. All they need is for Ashton Jeanty to reach them at #10.
Reports have persisted for some time that GM Ryan Poles and especially head coach Ben Johnson love the Boise State running back. It is easy to see why. He carried an average program to the college football playoffs almost by himself. Such talent is destined for success in the NFL. Chicago was 25th in rushing last year. Everything lines up, save for one thing: experts can’t see Jeanty getting past the Raiders at #6. That stance appears to be changing. SearSTower, the notable Twitter (X) handle that has posted accurate information in the past, started the week off with a big update.
People likely won’t be swayed by that alone. Coincidentally, two other insiders recently chimed in. Albert Breer of the MMQB stated that Jeanty is a possibility for Vegas, but he’s heard it might be wise to keep an eye on the trenches. Longtime draft insider Todd McShay threw his two cents in, claiming a firm belief Jeanty won’t go at #6.
Ashton Jeanty falling to the Bears becomes serious after that spot.
The Jets don’t need running back help. They have two good ones on the roster. Carolina? Everybody believes they’re focused on defense. That leaves the Saints at #9. Ashton Jeanty is a possibility there, given Alvin Kamara’s advancing age. At the same time, they seem to have more pressing concerns at quarterback, defensive line, and cornerback. Jeanty falling to the Bears would be something that couldn’t happen at a better time. The team already secured their future at quarterback (Caleb Williams) and wide receiver (Rome Odunze). Running back is the only skill position left that could use a serious upgrade. Drafting Jeanty would give them the most talented trio the organization has assembled since Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, and Matt Forte in the early 2010s. It will be fascinating to see how things unfold.
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