As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the landscape of potential first-round picks is starting to take shape, and one name that’s creating significant buzz is Ashton Jeanty. Recently, James Franklin, head coach of Penn State, made a surprising comment about Jeanty’s status in the upcoming draft. The revelation comes after NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Jeanty as the No. 3 overall prospect, placing the running back in elite company as one of the most highly coveted players in the class.
Jeanty, a dynamic playmaker for Boise State, has been turning heads with his exceptional skills on the field. His blend of speed, vision, and versatility has made him one of the top running back prospects in recent memory, and the praise from Jeremiah only strengthens that narrative. However, it’s Franklin’s comments that have truly captured the attention of draft enthusiasts and NFL analysts alike.
Franklin’s Shocking Comment
During a recent interview, Coach Franklin, who has built a reputation for developing NFL-ready talent, made a remark that caught many off guard. When asked about Jeanty’s status as one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft, Franklin did not hold back.
“I think Ashton Jeanty is a once-in-a-generation type of player,” Franklin said. “I’ve seen a lot of great running backs in my time, but the way he combines vision, speed, and power is truly special. I’ve seen him dominate at every level, and his potential is off the charts. It would not surprise me if he ends up being the No. 1 pick in this draft.”
Why the Buzz Around Ashton Jeanty?
So why has Jeanty’s stock skyrocketed to such heights? To understand this, let’s take a closer look at his playing style and how he’s impressed NFL scouts.
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Vision and Patience: Jeanty has an uncanny ability to see the field, making him a nightmare for defenders. He doesn’t just run the ball; he dissects the defense with each move. Whether it’s finding cutback lanes or waiting for his blockers to set up a perfect lane, Jeanty’s patience has been on full display.
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Speed and Agility: One of Jeanty’s standout traits is his blazing speed. Whether he’s bursting through the line of scrimmage or taking the ball to the outside, Jeanty’s ability to outrun defenders is what sets him apart from the competition. His quickness allows him to change direction without losing any momentum, which makes him incredibly difficult to tackle in the open field.
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Receiving Ability: In today’s NFL, versatility is key, and Jeanty has proven he’s more than just a ball carrier. As a receiving threat out of the backfield, he can catch passes and create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs. This ability to contribute both on the ground and in the passing game is what has made him so attractive to NFL teams looking for a well-rounded back.
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Big-Game Performance: Jeanty has consistently shown up when it matters most. Whether in bowl games or key conference matchups, he’s been able to perform under pressure, proving he can handle the spotlight that comes with being a top NFL draft prospect.
The No. 3 Overall Ranking: What Does It Mean?
Jeremiah’s ranking of Jeanty as the No. 3 overall pick in his latest mock draft is a statement in itself. It shows that scouts and experts are recognizing Jeanty as one of the most complete players in the 2025 draft class, regardless of position. Running backs are often devalued in the modern NFL, with teams typically prioritizing quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and edge rushers early in the draft. However, the rare combination of skills that Jeanty brings to the table has clearly made him stand out as an exception to the rule.
Jeremiah’s rankings reflect the growing belief that Jeanty could be the game-changer that some NFL teams are looking for. His ability to impact the game in so many ways makes him an ideal prospect for a team looking to build around a dynamic, versatile playmaker.
What’s Next for Ashton Jeanty?
As the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer, all eyes will remain on Ashton Jeanty. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day workouts will be critical in solidifying his position as one of the top picks. But even without those events, it’s clear that Jeanty’s stock is already soaring, and he’s made a strong case for being one of the best prospects in the draft.
James Franklin’s comment about Jeanty being “a once-in-a-generation type of player” is certainly high praise, but it’s a sentiment shared by many in the scouting world. With a combination of elite physical attributes and an ability to impact all facets of the game, Jeanty could very well be the player that reshapes the running back position in the NFL.
As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, it will be fascinating to see where Jeanty ultimately lands and how his skills translate to the next level. With such high expectations surrounding him, Jeanty will be a player worth watching throughout the entire draft process.
Will Jeanty live up to the hype and prove that he’s worthy of being the No. 1 pick? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2025 NFL Draft will be a turning point in his promising career.
