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Broncos Predicted to Make Major Trade With 49ers for Star Running Back

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Denver Broncos are in a position where they could get creative in the NFL draft and try to trade up or down, depending on how things fall.

With a clear need at running back, the goal is for the Broncos to land Ashton Jeanty. However, Jeanty, expected to be drafted within the first 10 to 12 picks, likely won't be on the board for the Broncos at No. 20.

That's why Athlon Sports' latest mock draft from Luke Easterling had them trading up with the San Francisco 49ers in a potential blockbuster draft day deal for Jeanty.

His proposal would see the Broncos move up to the 11th overall pick, grabbing the Boise State standout.

“A few years ago, the Lions made a bold move by taking a game-breaking running back in the top 12, and it's worked out pretty well for them so far. Jeanty absolutely has the elite talent to make a Jahmyr Gibbs-like impact at the next level, and if he's still on the board here, the Broncos could part with a second-round pick to jump ahead of the Cowboys to land the three-down star,” he wrote.

During his time in college, Jeanty was considered one of the top running backs in college football history. He posted a ridiculous 2,6001 yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging seven yards per carry on 374 attempts last year.

While there have been some questions about whether he'll perform at the highest level in the NFL due to the lack of competition he played in college, it's important to remember that Jeanty impressed against everybody, including a 192 yard and three touchdown performance against a top-ranked Oregon team at the beginning of the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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