In the world of the NFL Draft, hope and imagination often go hand in hand. Each offseason brings with it a series of possibilities, players, and storylines that excite fans and get them talking about their favorite teams. For Chicago Bears fans, the 2025 NFL Draft represents yet another opportunity for general manager Ryan Poles to take the team in the right direction. After an up-and-down 2024 season, the Bears are primed for a few key selections that could alter the trajectory of their franchise, and one name that has sparked some intriguing discussion is running back Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State.
Could Jeanty, a dynamic, explosive talent, be a game-changer for the Bears’ offense? While this column is more speculative and fun to imagine, there is a growing sense of excitement about the idea of the Chicago Bears potentially selecting Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft, especially considering the team’s needs at the running back position and the way the young star’s skill set could complement quarterback Justin Fields.
While it remains uncertain whether Jeanty will even be on the Bears’ radar by the time they pick, let’s delve into what makes this potential pairing so intriguing, why it could be a good fit for both the team and the player, and what it would take for GM Ryan Poles to make it a reality.
Before diving into the “what if” scenarios of Jeanty joining the Bears, it’s important to understand exactly who he is and why his name is being mentioned in the same breath as the NFL Draft.
Ashton Jeanty is a rising star in college football, playing for the Boise State Broncos. As a 5’9”, 200-pound running back, Jeanty has built a reputation as one of the most explosive players in the nation. His ability to break tackles, accelerate into the open field, and make defenders miss in space has made him one of the most exciting running backs to watch in college football. He is a three-down back with the vision to excel between the tackles and the speed to make plays in open space. His agility, combined with his raw power, allows him to be a legitimate threat both as a runner and a pass-catcher, making him an ideal fit for modern NFL offenses.
What makes Jeanty so intriguing, though, is his versatility. He’s not just a typical power back who thrives on short-yardage situations or goal-line carries; Jeanty is a legitimate dual-threat who can handle a heavy workload in the ground game and contribute in the passing attack. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and stretch defenses with his quickness and agility makes him an incredibly well-rounded weapon. In fact, over the course of his college career, Jeanty has shown he’s just as capable of being a reliable outlet for his quarterback as he is a dynamic runner. This all-around ability is what makes Jeanty a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and a player the Chicago Bears could look to build their offense around.
In addition to his stats and skill set, Jeanty has impressed scouts with his leadership and work ethic. He is known for his high football IQ and has the kind of maturity and professionalism that NFL teams look for in young players. The Broncos’ offense often relied heavily on him, and he consistently delivered, whether it was running through the middle, turning a short pass into a long gain, or contributing in key situations when his team needed him the most.
The Chicago Bears, after years of struggles with offensive consistency, are at a critical juncture. With young quarterback Justin Fields at the helm, the Bears are looking to surround him with weapons to help unlock his full potential. Fields’ dynamic skill set as a dual-threat quarterback has shown glimpses of greatness, but his development and growth have been hindered by a lack of playmakers around him, particularly in the running back room.
While the Bears have made significant strides to improve their offensive line, which will be crucial for Fields’ continued development, the running back position is still a major question mark. David Montgomery, a former Bears’ standout, was a key part of their offense in years past, but his departure in free agency left a void. Khalil Herbert, a promising back, has shown flashes of ability, but the Bears have yet to find the right balance at the position.
This is where Ashton Jeanty could step in. Jeanty would not only provide a playmaking element to the backfield, but he would also take pressure off Fields, allowing the offense to become more balanced. Jeanty’s ability to break long runs and make plays in the passing game would open up opportunities for Fields to be more efficient as a passer. The combination of Jeanty’s explosiveness and Fields’ dynamic ability to make plays with his legs could create a dangerous dual-threat combination, one that would be tough for defenses to stop.
Moreover, Jeanty’s skill set fits in with the modern NFL trend of versatile running backs who can play all three downs. In today’s league, a running back’s ability to catch passes, block, and run the ball with power is a must. Jeanty can do all of that, and his ability to play a variety of roles would allow Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to be creative with his play calling. Whether it’s running between the tackles on first down, catching a swing pass on third down, or creating a mismatch against a linebacker in the passing game, Jeanty would offer the Bears’ offense much-needed flexibility.
In short, Jeanty’s skill set makes him an ideal complement to Fields, and his presence on the field could make the Bears’ offense much more dangerous and balanced in the years to come.
While it’s exciting to imagine a future where Ashton Jeanty is wearing a Chicago Bears uniform, the reality of the situation is far more complicated. The Bears’ front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles, will need to make strategic decisions about which positions to prioritize in the upcoming draft. Jeanty is undoubtedly a dynamic and talented player, but there are other pressing needs for the Bears, particularly on the defensive side of the ball and in terms of upgrading the wide receiver position.
The Bears’ defense, although showing flashes of improvement, still needs playmakers in key positions such as cornerback and edge rusher. Additionally, the wide receiver corps remains a work in progress, and many analysts believe that the Bears need to add a true No. 1 receiver to provide Fields with a reliable weapon in the passing game. As such, it’s entirely possible that the Bears will prioritize these positions before addressing the running back position in the draft.
However, the Bears also find themselves in a situation where they are building around Fields, and adding a dynamic playmaker like Jeanty could be just the kind of move that helps elevate the offense. The team will likely look to surround Fields with talent at every position, including running back, in order to give him the best chance for success. Jeanty’s well-rounded skill set would be a luxury, but it could also be a game-changer that helps Fields reach his full potential.
One factor that could influence the likelihood of Jeanty landing in Chicago is the Bears’ draft positioning. If the Bears are selecting in the middle or late rounds of the first round, they may have the chance to take Jeanty without giving up too many other needs. However, if they are picking at the top of the draft and targeting a top-tier wide receiver or defensive playmaker, they may need to pass on Jeanty. That being said, if the Bears are able to secure a second-round pick or trade down from their first-round selection, Jeanty could be a viable option.
For GM Ryan Poles, the decision to select Ashton Jeanty would be a tough one, but it’s one that could set the tone for the Bears’ future. Poles has been aggressive in his rebuilding efforts, focusing on improving both the offense and the defense, but he has also emphasized the importance of long-term planning. The Bears need to make decisions that align with their vision of building a sustainable and competitive team, and adding a player like Jeanty could certainly fit that vision.
However, the team will need to consider whether they can find a running back who can contribute immediately in later rounds or whether they should focus on other areas of need first. Ultimately, Poles will have to weigh Jeanty’s talent against the Bears’ overall team needs and whether selecting him would make the most sense for the franchise moving forward.