Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is making waves in the NFL draft conversation, according to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

Kiper has ranked Jeanty sixth among the top running backs drafted in the last decade, placing him above notable names like Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Jacobs, Travis Etienne Jr., and Todd Gurley II.

“Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 215 pounds, Jeanty showcases impressive contact balance, instincts, and toughness, allowing him to evade the first line of defense and navigate through traffic,” Kiper noted. “With a nation-leading 111 missed tackles, Jeanty combines power with agility, running through contact and showing determination. Additionally, his receiving skills make him a potential all-purpose back in the NFL.”

Kiper suggested that Jeanty could be selected as early as picks 10 through 15 in the upcoming draft.

He mentioned the Dallas Cowboys as a potential landing spot, as they currently lack a decisive game-changing running back. While Rico Dowdle has accumulated 519 yards and one touchdown, averaging 5.1 yards per carry in the last five games, his status as a number one option remains uncertain.

Additionally, Kiper identified other teams such as the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers as possible fits for Jeanty, who was projected to go to the Vikings at No. 28 in Bleacher Report’s last mock draft.

Over recent years, the NFL has seen a devaluation of the running back position, a trend that’s evident in draft choices. In fact, only five running backs have been chosen in the first round in the past five years.

However, Saquon Barkley’s remarkable 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles could signal a resurgence for the position. While running backs may not wield the same game-altering impact as quarterbacks, having a skilled back can significantly benefit a contending team.

Jeanty’s impressive statistics at Boise State speak volumes. The Heisman Trophy runner-up has racked up 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in just 13 games this year.

Despite Boise State’s relatively easier schedule, Kiper highlighted that Jeanty managed to maintain his performance as the focal point of the offense. His near-historic season has not gone unnoticed.

It’s not surprising if a team decides to secure Jeanty on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL draft.