Quarterbacks usually dominate the draft week headlines, but this year is an exception. As the draft clock clicks closer to April 24th, the spotlight has shifted to the backfield. A young running back is swiftly climbing the draft list. With teams circling like bears, strategising their best bet on this young lad, the Jacksonville Jaguars HC Liam Coen has made his call, hinting at a “distinct possibility” that could shake up Round 1. Over in Las Vegas, Pete Carroll is watching intently.
That possibility? Ashton Jeanty in teal and black. But here’s the deal: this rocket-legged lad’s soaring demand has stirred rivalry, and the four teams eyeing him won’t let Jeanty land on Jags without a war. Coming off a monstrous 2024 season, with 2602 rushing yards, 374 carries, and 29 touchdowns, Jeanty is the top 10 pick in almost every vetted mock draft. He has been hailed as the next Saquon Barkley, and that’s not a comparison thrown around lightly.
In his previous season, Say-Say reminded the league how valuable a workhorse back can be in a modern offence, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to an impeccable Super Bowl win. Cut to 2025, the Boise State phenom is expected to leave the same impression as Saquon. While the teams line up to get hold of this rocket-legged lad, the league is on red alert, and the Jags are jumping aboard the bandwagon. Better late than never.
They reportedly see this as more than just a good pick; Jeanty is a cornerstone. Tony Poline states they believe Jeanty would be the perfect “missing piece to their offense” to take pressure off Trevor Lawrence and unlock the offense’s potential. Jaguars are eyeing him at number 5, as no one else on the board will deliver what Jeanty does. And stats don’t lie, The Butcher is among the best bets in this class.
NFL RUMORS: The #Jaguars believe RB Ashton Jeanty is “the missing piece to their offense,” per Tony Pauline #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/du7fNj35uo
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 23, 2025
However, it won’t be a straightforward hunt for Jacksonville. The Patriots, lurking at number 4, are reportedly also keen on Jeanty. HC Mike Vrabel knows the value of a premier back, having ridden Derrick Henry deep into the playoffs. Elsewhere, the Bears are praying Jeanty slips and comes to them at No.10. ESPN insider Adam Schefter says new coach Ben Johnson sees a new vision. Ben believes combining Jeanty with D’Andre Swift would be a nightmare pairing for rival teams. The Cowboys at number 13 are in dire need of mending their RB shortfall, and Jeanty could be the best fit this season. Even the Broncos are hovering, but way down at 20, because if there’s one thing that HC Sean Payton loves, it is an aggressive trade.
All these reports spell trouble for the most favored pick thus far, the Raiders and their newly appointed HC, Pete Carroll. Their No. 6 pick no longer seems as assured. While the Raiders have been tied to Jeanty since the earliest mocks, their chances with Jeanty look slimmer with every passing minute. And Pete Carroll doesn’t look too impressed with the last-minute changes. Vegas hasn’t drafted an RB since Josh Jacobs in 2019, and as Jacobs wore down and the Raiders finished dead last in rushing yards, one thing is apparent. They need a savior, and Jeanty could be their white knight. Some fans think Jeanty could be Carroll’s next Marshawn Lynch. Big talk, but his tape backs it. The NFL gave him a 7.15 grade, the highest of any player this year. Now, if the Jaguars lock him in, the Raiders will lose their draft crown jewel. And that raises a big question: if Jeanty is off the board, which way will Las Vegas pivot for Plan B?
Here’s another twist that has fans buzzing: Ashton Jeanty was born in Jacksonville. Is this a homecoming history in the making? Or will Ashton find glory in another Jersey? But with the Jags going all in on this Boise State star, the future of their current RB1, Travis Etienne looks anything but certain. What’s next for him?
End of an era in Duval?
As the Jacksonville Jaguars ramp up their pursuit of their No. 5 RB, the spotlight has shifted to a familiar face, Travis Etienne. With the backfield getting crowded, his hunt for a new home is still on. Let’s rewind the tape. Etienne’s career stats aren’t shabby. He had a record of 2,691 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 637 carries, but 2024 proved to be a tough season. He played 15 games and hit his career low with 558 rushing yards and 2TDs on 150 carries.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 06: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium on October 6, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
But before you think it’s over for our guy, let’s be clear. Etienne’s not short on demand. According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, his name is already popping up on lists of those who are “deemed” trade-worthy. Teams have started throwing their best at Travis. The Dallas Cowboys, still struggling to solve their post-Zeke rushing woes, are eyeing an experienced, explosive force in their backfield. The Kansas City Chiefs, always looking for weapons to stack around Mahomes, could use Etienne as a lightning bolt next to Isiah Pacheco, especially with his injury concerns lingering.
The RB window in Jacksonville might be closing fast, but Etienne still has value. Many believe he has the potential to be the “missing piece” somewhere else and might lock in a new home this draft season. Who knows, maybe Pete Carroll has a job for him. What’s your bet?
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