2025 Fantasy Football: Why Ashton Jeanty Should Be Your First Overall Pick

By Jason Bolton June 03, 2025 09:15

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are buzzing about rookie running back Ashton Jeanty and why he should be the first overall pick in your draft. Coming off an extraordinary college career at Boise State, Jeanty enters the league with a rare combination of elite production, durability, and versatility that makes him a top-tier fantasy asset from day one.

Dominant College Production

Jeanty’s college resume is nothing short of spectacular. Over three seasons, he rushed for 4,760 yards on 748 carries, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per attempt, and scored 50 rushing touchdowns. His junior year was particularly eye-popping, as he amassed 2,595 rushing yards with a 6.9 yards per carry average and 29 touchdowns numbers that place him among the best in recent NCAA history. Notably, Jeanty’s 2,601 rushing yards in 2024 put him just 27 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season college rushing record, a mark that has stood since 1988.

Beyond raw yardage, Jeanty excelled in forcing missed tackles, boasting the highest missed tackle forced per touch rate at 39% during his college career. This elite elusiveness translates well to the NFL, where yards after contact are a critical metric for running back success. In 2024, Jeanty led all college backs with 1,889 yards after contact, setting an FBS record.

Versatility and Durability

Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 215 pounds, Jeanty combines a powerful build with agility and speed. He has proven himself as a three-down back, capable of contributing as a receiver out of the backfield a skill increasingly valuable in fantasy football. His low fumble rate (just 10 fumbles on 748 carries, or 1.3%) underscores his reliability.

Jeanty’s workload at Boise State was heavy but productive, carrying the ball 374 times in his last season and showing no signs of wear. This durability bodes well for his ability to handle a significant NFL workload, a key factor for fantasy managers seeking consistency.

Ideal Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders drafted Jeanty sixth overall in 2025, signaling their intent to make him the centerpiece of their offense. With veteran backs like Raheem Mostert aging and backups Sincere McCormick and Zamir White unlikely to threaten Jeanty’s lead role, he is poised to receive the bulk of rushing attempts and goal-line carries. The Raiders’ offensive line has also seen upgrades, which should help Jeanty find running lanes and maximize his production.

While the Raiders’ passing game under Geno Smith may limit some red-zone opportunities, Jeanty’s projected volume and versatility still make him a fantasy RB1 candidate. FantasyPros ranks him as a top-10 running back for 2025, with projections exceeding 1,000 rushing yards and multiple touchdowns.

Comparisons and Rookie Success

Jeanty’s rookie outlook is buoyed by recent trends of highly drafted rookie running backs making immediate fantasy impacts. Players like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, both first-round picks in 2023, finished their rookie seasons as top-10 fantasy running backs. Jeanty’s college dominance and draft capital suggest he can follow in their footsteps.

Expert Opinions

Andrew Erickson of FantasyPros notes, “Jeanty’s combination of elite college production, durability, and receiving ability makes him a rare rookie running back who can be trusted as a first-round pick in redraft leagues.” PFF’s April 2025 analysis echoes this sentiment, highlighting Jeanty’s “production nearly unheard of at the college level” and his readiness to contribute immediately.

Ashton Jeanty’s blend of record-setting college production, physical tools, and ideal landing spot with the Raiders makes him a compelling choice for the first overall pick in 2025 fantasy football drafts. His ability to rack up yards on the ground and through the air, combined with a strong offensive situation, positions him as a future fantasy superstar. For managers looking to build a winning team, Jeanty offers the rare opportunity to secure a workhorse back with both upside and reliability from the very start of the season.