Steelers Projected to Land Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty: A Strong Addition to Pittsburgh’s Rushing Attack
The Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to land one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in college football this year: Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. A rising star who has caught the attention of NFL scouts, Jeanty’s blend of speed, vision, and football IQ make him an intriguing prospect for Pittsburgh, a team that has long relied on a strong running game to complement its aggressive defense.
His addition could significantly improve the Steelers’ backfield depth and overall offensive scheme in the 2025 season.
A Breakdown of Jeanty’s Career at Boise State
Ashton Jeanty has been a standout performer for Boise State since his freshman year, earning recognition as one of the most well-rounded backs in the Mountain West Conference. Over the past few seasons, Jeanty has consistently demonstrated his ability to excel in both the ground game and as a receiving option out of the backfield.
In his most recent campaign, Jeanty amassed over 1,300 total yards from scrimmage, including 900+ rushing yards and 400+ receiving yards. This dual-threat capability is one of the key reasons he has drawn interest from NFL teams, and it’s particularly appealing to the Steelers.
In addition to his yards, Jeanty’s agility, acceleration, and balance make him difficult to bring down. He’s consistently able to break tackles and gain extra yardage, a trait that is vital for Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme, which often relies on a power-running game to set up the pass. His vision on the field, paired with his ability to make defenders miss, could elevate the Steelers’ backfield alongside current starter Najee Harris.
Why Jeanty Fits with the Steelers
The Steelers have traditionally placed a premium on their running game, and adding a player like Jeanty would complement their existing personnel.
Najee Harris has been the focal point of the Steelers’ rushing attack, but the team has faced challenges in maintaining consistency in the backfield. A versatile and explosive player like Jeanty could help shoulder the load, offering a change-of-pace option and providing depth to the position.
Additionally, Jeanty’s receiving skills would be a welcomed asset to the Steelers’ offense. Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks have often relied on their backs to catch passes out of the backfield, and Jeanty’s proficiency in this area would add an element to the Steelers’ passing game. With his natural ability to run routes and catch passes, he could emerge as a valuable checkdown option for quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Looking Ahead
If the Steelers do indeed land Ashton Jeanty, they could be adding a multifaceted weapon to their offense. His blend of explosiveness, vision, and pass-catching ability aligns perfectly with Pittsburgh’s needs, and he could be a key piece of the team’s future offensive plans.
As the NFL draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Steelers to see if they make Jeanty a part of their backfield revolution, potentially setting the stage for a new chapter of Pittsburgh Steelers football.