Ashton Jeanty letter, explained: Top draft prospect compares himself to Saquon Barkley in note to NFL GMs

Teddy Ricketson

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Ashton Jeanty letter, explained: Top draft prospect compares himself to Saquon Barkley in note to NFL GMs image

The 2025 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching as the three-day affair will kick off on Thursday, April 25. While it feels like this year's overall class may not stack up in comparison to many previous classes, there are still players in it who are expected to make an instant impact when they get to the next level.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty nearly had a season enshrined in the history books. He was chasing Barry Sanders' all-time rushing record and likely would have won the Heisman if Travis Hunter didn't play both sides of the ball. Jeanty is considered the top running back in the 2025 class, and has consistently been projected in the first round in an era where teams have generally agreed not to pay running backs. 

Jeanty didn't work out at the 2025 NFL Combine, but did take the field at Boise State's Pro Day, and now his resume is largely set and will speak for itself with teams. Jeanty wrote a letter to teams to let them know what to expect if they draft him.

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Here is what Jeanty's letter said. 

Ashton Jeanty Letter, explained 

Jeanty wrote a letter to teams in the Players Tribune. The running back was short and to the point with the ending that made its way around social media. Jeanty talks about how he did things the long way but is ready to make an instant impact in the short-term. The running back said he intends to do what Saquon Barkley and the Eagles just did, winning a Super Bowl.

Jeanty's ending is probably the best. He said that it is tackle football, so why not draft the guy that they can't tackle? Jeanty had the sixth-most broken tackles (90) last season. 

Ashton Jeanty draft projection

Jeanty is projected to not only be the first running back off the board, but a first round pick. He is most popularly mocked to the Raiders at No. 6 at Consenus Mock Draft Database. With how badly the Cowboys need a running back, if it isn't Las Vegas where Jeanty ends up, it has been Dallas. The Cowboys pick at No. 12, so Jeanty isn't expected to fall past the first half of the first round.

Sporting News' own Vinnie Iyer agrees with the consensus and has Jeanty heading to Las Vegas with the sixth overall pick. 

MORE NFL DRAFT: Vinnie Iyer's latest 2025 mock draft | Vinnie Iyer ranks top 10 running backs in 2025 NFL Draft

Ashton Jeanty college stats

Here are Jeanty's college stats from his time at Boise State. 

SeasonGamesAttemptsYardsTDsReceptionsReceiving YardsReceiving TDs
2022141568217141550
2023122201,34714435695
2024143742,60129231381

Teddy Ricketson

Teddy Ricketson is a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News. He joined the team in 2024 after spending the last three years writing for Vox Media as part of its DK Nation/Network team. Teddy does his best to support the South Carolina Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers, but tends to have more fun cheering on the Atlanta Braves. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their two dogs, Bo and Hootie.