If Ashton Jeanty is still available at No. 10, the Chicago Bears have a serious decision to make. While he would undoubtedly boost their offense, taking a running back that early goes against conventional NFL Draft wisdom.
However, Jeanty is no regular running back. The Heisman runner-up has been one of the most heralded prospects entering the draft in recent history. Because of that, there’s a chance Jeanty isn’t even still on the board when the Bears are on the clock at No. 10.
While any team would improve with Jeanty, Chicago’s biggest threat appears to be the Las Vegas Raiders. Drafting at No. 6, they arguably have an even greater need at running back than the Bears. As the draft looms closer, it’s seeming more and more likely that the Raiders end up making Jeanty their pick, via Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
“Plenty around the league believe strongly the Raiders have fallen in love with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty,” Jones wrote. “One executive from an AFC team went so far as to say it’s “a forgone conclusion” that Vegas will take him with the No. 6 pick.”
Why Raiders covet Ashton Jeanty
If taking a running back at No. 10 would be taboo, then selecting from the position at No. 6 would be insane right? However, the Raiders are in a much different position now than they were when the 2024 season came to a close.
Las Vegas hired Pete Carroll as their new head coach. Then they traded for veteran quarterback Geno Smith. It’s hard to go from No. 6 pick to true playoff contender, however, the Raiders are at least operating as a team that wants to compete immediately. It seems unlikely Carroll would return to the NFL to be a part of a rebuild.
But if the Raiders want to be taken seriously, they need to do something about their run game. Las Vegas finished the 2024 season ranked dead last in total rushing, averaging 79.8 yards per game. They were the only team in the league to average less than 90 yards rushing a game.
The Raiders don’t have a veteran like D’Andre Swift to fall back on. They need a complete revitalization of their running back room. While it would cost the No. 6 overall pick, Jeanty would give that to Las Vegas in spades.
Who Chicago Bears can pivot to
If Jeanty goes at No. 6, the Bears’ draft plans would take a major hit. However, the 2025 class is deep enough to where Chicago can pivot. And it’s not like running back is the only area of need on the roster.
The Bears have invested heavily into the trenches both offensively and defensively. However, if a player like Will Campbell is on the board, that may be too good to pass up on. The same goes for someone like Jalon Walker. While they may have pieces in place for 2025 to succeed, Chicago wants to ensure success permeates in the trenches to the future.
They could also turn to tight end Tyler Warren. He has been heavily connected to the Bears with many assuming the team will take a ‘best player available’ type approach. While the team already has Cole Kmet on their roster, adding Warren gives the Bears a dangerous two-headed monster when Johnson uses 12 personnel.
Or, the Bears can simply decide to trade down. Maybe they were dead set on going running back, and with Jeanty off the board they don’t want to reach. Instead, they can move down, land some valuable draft capital and still select their running back of the future at a more reasonable pick.
The NFL Draft always brings chaos, and 2025 will be no different. What team writes Jeanty’s name on their card will be one of the biggest questions of the first round.
Report: Tyler Warren isn’t Chicago Bears’ only tight end target at No. 10
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