Could the Jaguars really draft Ashton Jeanty at fifth overall?
As the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off in Green Bay tonight, the Jacksonville Jaguars are a fascinating team to watch as they find themselves at a crossroads with the #5 overall pick.
Recent speculation has intensified around Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler labeling the Jaguars “‘sleeper’ to select the Heisman finalist during a recent NFL Live segment. With new head coach Liam Coen eager to inject dynamism into the offense, Jeanty’s name is gaining traction.
But with pressing needs across the roster and two capable running backs already in place, is spending such high draft capital on a running back the game-changer Jacksonville needs?
Jeanty: A generational talent?
Ashton Jeanty is no ordinary prospect. In 2024, he rushed for an NCAA-record-threatening 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns at Boise State, averaging nearly 7.0 yards per carry. His 80 receptions for 862 yards and six touchdowns showcase his versatility as a pass-catcher, making him a three-down threat. Many draft analysts rank him as a top-five prospect, with some calling him a “home-run hitter” who combines elite balance, burst, and power.
New Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, known for his offensive ingenuity, is reportedly a huge fan of Jeanty. Coen’s vision is to build a dynamic, explosive offense around quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. With Christian Kirk and Evan Engram gone, second-year wideout Brian Thomas Jr. is the lone proven playmaker.
Coen’s system, which emphasises a strong running game to set up play-action and passing concepts, could be turbocharged by Jeanty’s ability to create explosive plays and alleviate pressure from Lawrence. As Peter Schrager noted in his mock draft, “Jeanty is everything they could ever want in a first pick.”
The case for Jeanty
The Jaguars’ current running back room raises questions about its long-term viability. Travis Etienne Jr., once a 1,125-yard rusher in 2022, saw his production plummet to 558 yards in 2024, hampered by a hamstring injury and declining efficiency.
Playing on his fifth-year option in 2025 with no extension talks, Etienne’s future is uncertain. Tank Bigsby led the team with 766 yards last season but fumbled six times and has only eight career receptions, limiting his role as a pass-catcher. Both have had injury concerns, and neither matches Jeanty’s ceiling as an every-down back.
Drafting Jeanty could transform Jacksonville’s offense, which ranked poorly in 2024 in every area. A strong running game keeps the offense ahead of the chains, opens passing lanes, and reduces the burden on Lawrence, who needs all the help he can get. Jeanty’s local ties (he’s a Jacksonville native) add a nice narrative to the potential story, which could get fans excited and he’s rising in betting stock to be selected fifth overall.
Should the Jaguars go elsewhere?
Despite Jeanty’s huge upside, spending the No. 5 pick on a running back is a risky proposition for a team with glaring needs elsewhere. The Jaguars’ defense was abysmal in 2024, ranking last in passing defense, turnovers forced and net yards allowed per pass attempt, finishing 31st in total defense. Taking someone like Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, a consensus top-ten and even by some a top-five prospect, could be a sensible option, particularly as the player would massively bolster the defensive line alongside Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
On offense, the loss of Kirk and Engram leaves holes at wide receiver and tight end. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, could pair with Thomas to give Lawrence a high-catch-radius target, aligning with Coen’s preference for big wideouts, although this would be unlikely at fifth overall. The offensive line also needs reinforcement, with prospects like LSU’s Will Campbell or Missouri’s Armand Membou offering immediate upgrades.
The Jaguars pick really is a wild card with Coen and new GM James Gladstone potentially eyeing multiple directions. The speculation around Jeanty to the Jaguars is no mere draft-season chatter; it’s rooted in Coen’s offensive philosophy and the team’s need for playmakers. Yet, the Jaguars’ defensive woes and needs at receiver, tight end, and offensive line make a top-five running back pick feel like a gamble. With a war chest of 10 draft picks, including four in the top 90, Jacksonville can address multiple needs while still targeting a playmaker later.
As the draft unfolds tonight, one thing is certain: the decision at fifth overall will set the tone for the Jaguars’ new era.
