What are the main reasons Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens believe Ashton Jeanty is a top running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft? How could Jeanty’s potential landing in Denver impact his fantasy football value? What elements of the Broncos’ running scheme make them an appealing destination for Jeanty? In what ways do Jeanty’s skills align with Sean Payton’s coaching philosophy? Why do the analysts suggest that Jeanty could be a first-round fantasy pick compared to other running backs in the draft class?
With the NFL Draft looming, fantasy football managers are scouring for the next rookie running back who could become a fantasy league winner. If you caught the recent episode of Yahoo Fantasy Forecast featuring Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens, you know this year’s class doesn’t offer the depth of past seasons, but it does have a clear-cut RB1 prospect: Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. The show’s fantasy experts explored why, should Jeanty land with Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos, he’d immediately warrant consideration as a first-round selection in 2025 fantasy drafts. Here’s why their reasoning makes so much sense.
In the conversation, both Matt and Andy agree Jeanty is the “prize of this year’s running back class,” using phrases like “he just checks every box” and “one of the blue chips in this class.” Unlike previous years when fantasy managers could find value in the second or third tier of rookie backs, 2025’s class lacks that depth: “There’s not that many blue chips.” This scarcity means wherever Jeanty goes, he’ll be carrying massive fantasy expectations — especially if he joins a team that already looks like a great landing spot.
Denver’s running game is a sleeping giant. As Matt points out, “Their running backs were god-awful in terms of creating yards for themselves. Ashton Jeanty is a tackle-breaker. He would be the central figure of this offense. I mean, it’s just a beautiful fit.” Last year, the Broncos’ scheme was generating open lanes, but no one in the backfield could capitalize.
Both analysts salivate at the thought of Jeanty joining Sean Payton, a coach historically unafraid to leverage a feature back, especially one with Jeanty’s tackle-breaking ability and three-down skill set. Matt says, “Ashton Jeanty, the Denver Broncos. Sean Payton, that man hates extra picks even more than Ryan Poles does. Get up the draft board … it would have a high approval rating. Let’s get Ashton Jeanty to this Denver Broncos offense.”
Andy doesn’t hide his enthusiasm for Jeanty in Denver either: “It’s a great fit. Denver is surely going to come away from this draft with one of its more exciting running backs. We just don’t know exactly who it’s going to be.” But, as both agree, if it’s Jeanty, fantasy managers may finally get what they’ve been hoping for: a Denver backfield centerpiece worthy of a first-round fantasy pick.
Nervous about other backs eating into his workload? Andy notes, “You could do that with Ashton Jeanty, and I think we’re going to talk ourselves into it. And I think if he lands here, if he lands Chicago, there’s a handful of places where he can go where I think Ashton Jeanty is going to be like, seriously in the conversation as like a, I don’t know, ninth overall pick, 10th overall pick in fantasy.”
The top of the fantasy running back board is crowded with established stars (Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, Jameer Gibbs, Derrick Henry, etc.), but neither Matt nor Andy hesitated to put Jeanty into the mix: “Like, yeah, that’s, that’s the conversation we’re having with Ashton Jeanty if he’s a, if he’s a Bear or a Bronco. Bronco. I’m ready to have that conversation.” Translation: if Jeanty lands in Denver, you’re looking at a three-down rookie with a clear run to 250+ touches and goal-line work in a system proven to generate productive backs out of far lesser talents.
Both Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens left no doubt — if Ashton Jeanty becomes a Denver Bronco on draft night, he’s a lock for Round 1 fantasy football value. The combo of talent, vacant depth chart, coaching philosophy, and opportunity is too strong to pass up. As Matt summarized, “He would be the central figure of this offense … we should all want it to happen.” If you’re holding a late first in your 2025 fantasy draft, and Jeanty’s wearing orange and blue (again), press the button. You might just secure the next great fantasy running back star.
2025 NFL Draft: One Team that Could Make Ashton Jeanty a No-Doubt 1st-Round Fantasy Football Pick
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the excitement around rookie prospects continues to build, particularly for those who could make an immediate impact in fantasy football. One name generating significant buzz is Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic running back from Boise State University. With an impressive blend of speed, agility, and versatility, Jeanty is poised to make waves in the NFL. However, the team that selects him will play a pivotal role in determining his fantasy football value. Among the various teams in need of a running back, one stands out as a prime destination that could elevate Jeanty to no-doubt 1st-round pick status in fantasy leagues: the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Fit with the Chargers
The Chargers, under head coach Brandon Staley, have built a high-octane offense centered around dynamic plays and big yardage gains. Justin Herbert, one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league, has shown a propensity for airing the ball out, but the absence of a versatile, high-caliber running back has prevented Los Angeles from achieving its full offensive potential. Enter Ashton Jeanty, a running back who could seamlessly integrate into the Chargers’ scheme and become a cornerstone of their offensive success.
Jeanty’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield would be particularly beneficial in the Chargers’ system. In 2024, Chargers’ running backs struggled to produce in the passing game, leading to a heavy reliance on Herbert’s arm to generate offensive yardage. Jeanty, who averaged over 30 receptions per season in college, would provide Herbert with a reliable safety valve, effectively transforming the Chargers’ offense into a more dynamic and unpredictable unit.
Skill Set and Playmaking Ability
Ashton Jeanty’s skill set is tailor-made for fantasy football success. His explosive speed and quick cutting ability allow him to navigate through defenses and break off big plays. During his college career, Jeanty showcased his ability to find gaps in the line, demonstrating impressive vision coupled with the agility to make defenders miss. In a fast-paced offense like Los Angeles’, those skills could translate into explosive fantasy points, particularly through long touchdowns.
Moreover, Jeanty’s proficiency in the passing game adds another dimension to his fantasy appeal. In fantasy football, running backs who can contribute significantly in the receiving game are treasured commodities. With the chance to rack up points through both rushing yards and receiving yardage, Jeanty’s versatility aligns perfectly with what fantasy football managers covet in a top-tier running back.
Opportunity for Immediate Impact
A significant factor in determining a rookie’s fantasy football value is the opportunity to play. If Jeanty lands with the Chargers, he would likely step into a starting role or at the very least share significant carries with a prominent role in the offense. Austin Ekeler, the Chargers’ current star running back, has been a staple of the offensive strategy, but he has also been injury-prone in recent seasons. If Ekeler is not retained or if he misses more time due to injuries, Jeanty would have an excellent opportunity to showcase his talents.
The Chargers’ offensive line, which has seen improvements in recent drafts and free agency, will only enhance Jeanty’s potential. A solid offensive line fosters an environment where running backs can thrive. With the necessary blocking in place, Jeanty would have the space to operate effectively and pile up both rushing and receiving yards, translating to fantasy success.
The Fantasy Football Landscape
As the landscape of fantasy football continues to evolve, running backs remain a critical component of success. In the early rounds of drafts, the premier running backs command attention due to their high potential for points. If Jeanty becomes the primary back for the Chargers, he could quickly ascend the rankings, especially if he showcases a knack for finding the end zone—a key determinant of fantasy value.
Given the frenetic nature of fantasy football, being with a high-powered offense like the Chargers could make Jeanty a coveted asset in the 2025 NFL Draft. If analysts project Jeanty to be the starting running back for Los Angeles, there’s no question he would garner considerable interest in early fantasy drafts, hence earning the coveted first-round designation.
Conclusion
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, Ashton Jeanty possesses the attributes and skills necessary to transform the running back position for any team that selects him. However, the Los Angeles Chargers present a unique opportunity—the right system, the right quarterback, and the right offensive environment to help Jeanty flourish. If he can find himself in a position to start and capitalize on the offensive opportunities, it’s easy to imagine him securing a place as a no-doubt 1st-round fantasy football pick. As whispers and predictions grow louder leading up to the draft, keep an eye on Jeanty’s career trajectory; it may just lead to fantasy football glory.
In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, discussions around potential first-round picks for fantasy football leagues are heating up. Ashton Jeanty, a talented running back known for his agility and versatility, is emerging as a standout candidate. His performance in college showcased not only his rushing ability but also his skills in the passing game, making him a dual-threat option.
Jeanty’s strong work ethic, combined with impressive stats, has caught the eyes of scouts and analysts alike. If he lands with a team that has a need for a dynamic back and a system that can maximize his talents, he could become an immediate impact player in fantasy football.
Factors such as landing in the right offensive scheme, the team’s overall offensive strategy, and the level of competition he faces will play a crucial role in his fantasy value. A franchise that prioritizes run-centric plays or has a quarterback capable of drawing defensive attention could elevate Jeanty’s stock significantly.
For fantasy enthusiasts, keeping an eye on the draft and potential landing spots for Jeanty could lead to a valuable addition to their rosters in the upcoming season. His mix of speed, agility, and receiving ability makes him a player to watch closely as the draft approaches.