Ashton Jeanty (Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
An up-and-coming AFC team has emerged as the new front-runner to land Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in next month’s NFL Draft.

Jeanty is one of the best running back prospects of the 21st century. He finished second in Heisman Trophy voting behind Travis Hunter, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging a ridiculous 7.0 yards per carry.

According to the DraftKings sportsbook, the Las Vegas Raiders have the highest betting odds to draft Ashton Jeanty at -115. The Chicago Bears are second at +190, followed by the Dallas Cowboys (+650) and San Francisco 49ers (+1110).

The Raiders hold the No. 6 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and have a pressing need at running back. New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has always put a great emphasis on running the football, so the fit makes perfect sense.

It’s a safe bet that Ashton Jeanty won’t go to the Tennessee Titans (first overall), Cleveland Browns (two), New York Giants (three), New England Patriots (four) or Jacksonville Jaguars (five). Those teams have more pressing needs and/or are already set comfortably behind center.

Which Other Teams Could Target Ashton Jeanty?

Ashton Jeanty (Photo By Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
The Cowboys need a running back after losing Rico Dowdle in free agency. Adding Jeanty to an offense with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson would take this offense to another level.

If the New York Jets aren’t sold on Breece Hall anymore, they could pair Jeanty with dual-threat QB Justin Fields. And perhaps the Carolina Panthers would consider Jeanty at No. 8 if he’s somehow available when it’s their time to pick?