Bleacher Report published a 2025 NFL Draft “Re-Draft” on Friday, and one of the biggest changes involved running back Ashton Jeanty.
Instead of being selected sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, as he was in April, Jeanty landed at No. 22 to the Los Angeles Chargers in the re-draft.
Analyst Brad Gagnon explained the reasoning, noting that while Jeanty’s talent is unquestionable, the value of a running back that early is harder to justify.
“That value is undeniable considering they took [Omarion Hampton] in this spot and that Jeanty actually went sixth overall,” Gagnon wrote. “This has more to do with the fact that I believe running backs should almost never be taken in the top half of Round 1.”
In this alternate draft, the Raiders instead grabbed quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Chargers, meanwhile, would have added a dynamic playmaker to pair with Justin Herbert.
Other big changes in Gagnon’s re-draft included tight end Tyler Warren going No. 10 to the Bears, edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 12 to the Cowboys, tight end Colston Loveland to the Colts at No. 14, and quarterback Tyler Shough to the Giants at No. 25.
Jeanty’s fall highlighted one of the longest-running debates in the league: how early is too early to take a running back?
The current Las Vegas Raider put up historic numbers at Boise State, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior in 2024. Still, Gagnon doesn’t believe he was worth a top-10 pick.
Jeanty and the Raiders will be in action on Sunday, Sept. 7 as they travel to take on the New England Patriots. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET and the game will air on CBS.
About the Author
Jackson Naugle