By Moses Joshua 
A Bold Gamble in the Top 10
The NFL Draft is a spectacle of surprises, strategy, and speculation. Every year, unexpected picks send shockwaves through the league, and the New York Jets may be on the verge of delivering one of the most stunning draft-day moments in recent memory.
Holding the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jets have numerous pressing needs to address. However, a recent mock draft by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein suggests a move that few saw coming—selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in the top 10.
The mere suggestion of this pick has sparked debate, as running back is far from the Jets’ most urgent concern. Could this be the boldest move of the draft? Or a colossal miscalculation?
Jets Taking a Running Back at No. 7? A Controversial Move
Zierlein’s rationale for selecting Jeanty hinges on the Jets’ need for offensive firepower. He argued, “The analytics community won’t like this pick, but so be it. The Jets have a stagnant attack, and Breece Hall has not reached 1,000 yards rushing in any of his three seasons. Jeanty provides instant adrenaline to the offense and creates buzz in Aaron Glenn’s first season as head coach.”
While Jeanty’s talent is undeniable, this pick would be met with skepticism for several reasons:
- Breece Hall’s Presence – Despite Zierlein’s claim, Hall came close to 1,000 rushing yards in 2023 and ranked among the league leaders in scrimmage yards. His dip in production in 2024 stemmed more from offensive struggles than personal shortcomings.
- Recent RB Investments – The Jets used two mid-round picks on running backs last year, selecting Braleon Allen and Isaiah Davis, both of whom showed promise.
- More Pressing Needs – The Jets’ offensive line, wide receiver corps, and pass rush need reinforcement far more than the running back position does.
With these factors in play, using a top-seven pick on Jeanty seems like a luxury selection rather than a necessity.
Ashton Jeanty: A Future Superstar, but Not the Right Fit for the Jets
There’s no questioning Jeanty’s ability. The Boise State standout came within 27 yards of breaking Barry Sanders’ legendary single-season rushing record, finishing with 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging a remarkable 7.0 yards per carry.
He’s a dynamic, explosive playmaker who will be an immediate game-changer in the NFL. However, positional value and team needs must be considered, and for a franchise with major roster holes, drafting a running back this high feels like a misstep.
While Jeanty will almost certainly be a first-rounder, the Jets’ best course of action is likely to address areas of greater need. If they truly want him, trading down and acquiring additional picks might be the smarter move.
Bottom Line: Sensational Talent, Questionable Fit
If the Jets ultimately follow through with this pick, it would undoubtedly send shockwaves across the league. Jeanty has all the makings of an elite NFL back, but for a team trying to build a complete roster, this decision would be difficult to justify.
Will the Jets truly roll the dice on Jeanty at No. 7, or is this just another pre-draft smokescreen? The football world will be watching.