Picture the Minnesota Vikings strengthening their offense by adding Ashton Jeanty in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. According to NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers, Jeanty could fall to the Vikings at No. 28 in the first round, creating a tantalizing opportunity for the team.
Rogers notes that while Aaron Jones has been a great one-year addition at 30, bringing Jeanty into the fold would elevate the offense significantly. “He possesses some of the best balance and vision I’ve seen at the position and would be an immediate standout in Minnesota,” Rogers writes. Though the Vikings have other urgent needs—like defensive tackle and cornerback—these could be addressed via free agency, allowing them to focus on Jeanty if he’s still available.
Jeanty had an exceptional 2024 college season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries, while adding a receiving touchdown as well. He finished second in Heisman voting, narrowly behind Colorado’s Travis Hunter, and helped Boise State reach the 12-team College Football Playoff. Despite not playing in a power conference, Jeanty dominated, including a standout 192-yard, 3-touchdown performance against Oregon.
Known for his impressive combination of burst, agility, strength, contact balance, and vision, Jeanty would provide a dynamic boost to the Vikings’ offense. While he wasn’t as involved in the passing game this year, his previous numbers as a receiver—43 catches for 569 yards and 5 touchdowns—show his all-around capability.
While Jones has been stellar for the Vikings, amassing 1,546 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, his age (he turned 30 in December) and upcoming free agency make Jeanty an appealing long-term option. Pairing him with the Vikings’ passing weapons—like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson—could help address their struggles in the low red zone and solidify their offensive future.
The only issue is Jeanty’s likely unavailability by the time the Vikings pick in the first round, which will fall somewhere between No. 19 and No. 32 depending on playoff results. The Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 are among the teams rumored to be eyeing him, and numerous others may also be interested. With running back positions being less prioritized in recent drafts, it remains to be seen whether Jeanty will fall that far.
If Jeanty is off the board, the Vikings will likely shift their focus to defensive tackle or cornerback with options like Derrick Harmon, Walter Nolen, Kenneth Grant, and Tyleik Williams available at defensive tackle, or potential cornerbacks like Jahdae Barron, Shavon Revel Jr., and Benjamin Morrison. Keep up with the Vikings by subscribing to updates on Minnesota Vikings on SI and following our YouTube channel for more insights.
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