Broncos to meet with Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty at Combine

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off with interviews in Indianapolis today, and the Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton are making sure they address all the gaps they have on the roster from a successful 2024 season. One of the biggest needs for the Broncos is a running back after a lackluster rushing attack was a glaring issue for the team.

In 2024, the Broncos were T-20 in yards per carry in the NFL at just 4.1 and T-23 in rushing touchdowns with 12. Most notably, the run game failed the team early on in the Wild Card Game against the Buffalo Bills with just 32 yards in the first half and 79 overall for the game.

To help fix the running game woes, the Broncos have been linked to Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in various mock drafts throughout the offseason, and are now confirmed to be meeting with the star running back at the Combine. Jeanty had one of the most dominant seasons by a running back in NCAA history in 2024, but finished in second place in the Heisman Trophy voting to Colorado two-way superstar Travis Hunter. In 14 games, the 5-foot-9, 215 pound wrecking ball tallied 2,604 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground while leading his team to a Mountain West Championship and a first round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Jeanty could be the workhorse the Broncos need next to Bo Nix to lighten the load off his shoulders in 2025. Jeanty’s breakaway speed along with power in between the tackles makes him a lethal running back in any offense, as shown in this one-of-a-kind touchdown run against Washington State last season.

The Ashton Jeanty Experience in one rep. Insane.

Short-area quickness. Lateral cutting ability. Contact balance. Acceleration + long speed. pic.twitter.com/9fR2Ebu5QM

— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) February 25, 2025

The Broncos have been struggling to find a consistent running back since Phillip Lindsay posted back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2018 and 2019. Javonte Williams looked like the guy who could be the next elite running back for Denver after an outstanding rookie season, but the knee injury he suffered in Week 4 of the 2022 season changed the course of his career, and he hasn’t been the same back since. Jaleel McLaughlin showed some promise this year, but his small frame makes him more of a third down back who finds success on the outside rather than a bruiser up the middle.

It’s unsure if Jeanty will be fall down to Denver at the 20th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his meetings with the team today could help Sean Payton and general manager George Paton determine if he’s the guy they need, even if it involves trading up in the first round.

Jeanty is one of four players the Broncos will have an eye on as they scout the best options to select with the 20th overall pick. Jeanty will not do drills at the Combine, and just do interviews instead with the Broncos and other teams.