Cat Scratch Reader
Let’s take a closer look at one of the prospects the Panthers could select in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Since it’s never too early to look forward to the NFL Draft, this weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2025 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty.
Hear me out. Dave Canales seems determined to spread the carries out between multiple running backs (see: Miles Sanders getting short yardage carries). Once Jonathon Brooks is back from injury, Chuba Hubbard will likely split carries with him. The problem is that Chuba is in a contract year, and his production has been enough to warrant a decent contract. I would not be surprised to see Hubbard get a contract similar to the one the Panthers gave Miles Sanders (four years, $25.4 million, $13 million guaranteed). With the dearth of talent on the overall roster, spending six million a year on another running back seems less than ideal. If Canales truly wants to pound the rock, imagine a backfield with Jeanty and Brooks. Double Trouble 2.0.
As a prospect, Jeanty is about as good as a running back can get. He has put up video game numbers so far (though consider the opposition), already running for over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging just under TEN yards per carry. He has not produced much in the passing game this season, in large part due to his dominance running the ball, but he showed last season that he can be a net positive as a receiver (43 catches, 569 yards, five touchdowns). His film shows a generational level talent at the running back position, and all of his “weaknesses” are more like suggestions at this point (e.g. - he fights for extra yards, sacrificing ball security). With the Panthers likely to have a top five selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Panthers could forego a quarterback while trading down for extra draft assets. In that scenario, they could snag Jeanty near the 10th or so pick. The quarterback can’t throw interceptions if he never has to throw the ball.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Ashton Jeanty is available when the Panthers select in the 2025 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
