Why the Boise State running back should be priority #1 in New Orleans
It’s officially NFL Draft week. That means fans and experts alike are solidifying who they want their team to select on night one.
The New Orleans Saints should closely monitor Ashton Jeanty, a running back out of Boise State. Other teams like the Raiders and Jets have also shown interest in him, but there is a chance that he falls to the Saints. If he does, the franchise should have its easiest decision in years.
Here are some reasons why.
Reason #1: Jeanty is the best college running back since Barry Sanders
No other running back had a better season in 2024 than Ashton Jeanty, who in 14 games played had 374 rushing attempts for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also had receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown. Jeanty finished the year as a Heisman finalist, received the Doak Walker Award (which recognizes the best running back in college football), and was a unanimous first-team All-American.
Only Barry Sanders had a better season, back in 1988. Playing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, the future NFL hall-of-famer played in 11 games with 344 rushing attempts for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Reason #2: Selecting Jeanty could lead to the revival of the boom-and-zoom
Since Mark Ingram's departure in 2022, New Orleans has sorely missed the boom-and-zoom. Selecting Jeanty in the first round could bring its second coming, because if there’s one thing that’s known about him, it’s that he brings the boom.
A proven running game is also something that will be a giant benefit for whichever quarterback starts in 2025, whether that's Spencer Rattler or a rookie. Pressure would be much less present on the QB's shoulders.
Reason #3: Jeanty’s message to teams
Ashton Jeanty also released a statement to NFL teams via the player’s tribune:
“I’ve taken the long way. I’m done with that way. If you pick me, it’s simple: I’m coming to your franchise to do what Saquon and the Eagles just did,” Jeanty said. “I’m coming to win big soon. It’s TACKLE football... you know what I’m saying? I’d draft the guy that can’t tackle.”
The confidence in the comment is what gives it an insane aura. Jeanty knows what he can do and how to do it, and he's ready for the next chapter. The potential in this running back is just too good to pass up.
