Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty won’t put his skills on display at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Per NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, Jeanty has elected to only participate in medical evaluations and team interviews but will not work out for teams. The Heisman Trophy runner up and Doak Walker Award winner will instead showcase his physical skills during Boise State’s pro day.
Is this a good or bad decision for Heisman Trophy runner up?
The quick answer is it is a good move as Jeanty has proven on the field in 2024 that he is the top running back entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Beyond that, he is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country and really has nothing to prove at the NFL combine other than proving to teams that have him high on their draft board the type of player and person he is off the field.
Ashton Jeanty doesn't have much to prove on the field
In rushing for 2,497 yards with an impressive 7.3 yards per carry, Jeanty not only proved his dominance on the field, but he also demonstrated how he could single handedly carry an offense. Even when opposing defenses loaded the box, the top running back in the nation still found ways to create yards and run through and over defenders.
This is an attribute noted by NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah in ranking Jeanty as the No. 3 prospect on his latest top 50 draft prospect rankings.
Jeremiah gushes:
“On inside runs, the Boise State product has a unique ability to absorb and bounce off tacklers. He has quick feet and never stops driving on contact, leading to some miraculous escapes and home runs. He is rarely -- if ever -- tackled when presented with one-on-one situations at the second level, exhibiting the capacity to run through defenders, make them miss or just burst by them. He isn’t polished as a route runner, but he has reliable hands and can create in space after the catch.”
Jeremiah does note Jeanty needs to work on his ball security, which will be a question for teams. Despite fumbling issues, Jeanty represents one of the more anticipated running backs to enter the draft since Saquon Barkley. The vision, the burst, the way he can take it to the house from anywhere on the field can’t be measured in workouts, but what can be measured is the potential leadership and toughness he can bring to an organization. It’s smart to have teams just focused in on that. The skillset speaks for itself.