Ashton Jeanty Chicago Bears Opportunity at No. 10:
A New Era in
Chicago’s Backfield?
The Chicago Bears have long been known for their rich history of dominant running backs, from the bruising Walter Payton to the electrifying Gale Sayers and the versatile Matt Forte. Now, with a new offensive-minded head coach in Ben Johnson and a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, could Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty be the next great back to wear navy and orange?
A Fresh Approach to the Bears’ Backfield
Chicago’s general manager, Ryan Poles, hinted at significant additions to the running back room during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine. With the Bears finishing the 2024 season ranked 25th in rushing offense, averaging just 102 yards per game, a game-changing runner like Jeanty could be exactly what the team needs to revitalize its ground attack.
According to The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler, the Bears have formally met with Jeanty at the Combine, joining a list of teams intrigued by his elite production. The Boise State star rushed for an FBS-leading 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024, propelling the Broncos to a College Football Playoff berth. A unanimous First-Team All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist, Jeanty is widely considered the top running back prospect in the draft.
A Potential Fit in Chicago’s New Offense
Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions showcased one of the most effective rushing tandems in the NFL with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Johnson’s offensive philosophy balances power and speed in the backfield, and Jeanty’s skill set aligns perfectly with that vision. Much like Gibbs, Jeanty possesses explosive playmaking ability, but he also has the power-running style reminiscent of Montgomery—making him a potential do-it-all weapon in Chicago’s backfield.
Pairing Jeanty with D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson could give the Bears a formidable three-headed attack, but Ashton Jeanty’s dynamic ability might make him the featured back sooner rather than later. His vision, acceleration, and elite contact balance mirror aspects of Walter Payton’s relentless running style, while his ability to contribute in the passing game recalls the versatility that made Matt Forte such a dangerous weapon for Chicago.
The Case for Drafting Ashton Jeanty Chicago Bears at No. 10
The question remains: Would the Bears pull the trigger on a running back this early in the draft? With a deep class at the position, some might argue that Chicago could find value later. However, true difference-makers are rare, and Jeanty has the potential to be the next franchise back in a system designed to maximize his talents.
With Chicago’s ongoing quarterback uncertainty, a dominant run game could serve as a stabilizing force, much like it did during the Payton era and even when Forte carried the load in the late 2000s. If Jeanty lands in Chicago, expect an offense built around his skill set—one that brings balance, explosiveness, and the potential to finally restore the Bears’ run game to its former glory.
Will Jeanty be the Bears’ next great running back? If he hears his name called at No. 10, history suggests he just might be.