Denver Broncos general manager George Paton. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Broncos reportedly exploring draft-day trade for Heisman finalist

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 5:12 PM ET

Running back seems like the Denver Broncos' biggest remaining need, so why wouldn't they target the top ball-carrier in the 2025 NFL Draft?

In a column published Tuesday, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported the Broncos are exploring trading up from pick No. 20 before the start of the draft on Thursday. If they do, they may select Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (5-foot-9, 211 pounds).

"Until yesterday (see my note on the Texans ...), the Denver Broncos were the only team I could find that was actively exploring a trade up," wrote Breer. "If the Broncos move up, it would likely be for an elite skill player such as Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, and Jeanty is one player I have circled as a trade-up target in a class that doesn't have many of those."

In a feature published on April 14, Jeanty told Overtime the Broncos spent significant time with him at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, possibly giving the rumor more steam.

In Tankathon's latest mock draft, the Las Vegas Raiders select Jeanty with pick No. 6. Assuming the Raiders want the 2024 Heisman finalist, moving above Vegas could prove difficult for Denver.

However, Broncos head coach Sean Payton's draft history suggests he'll be aggressive. According to Aric DiLalla of the team website, Payton made 25 draft-day trades as New Orleans Saints HC. Twenty-two of them were to move up.

Jeanty — who rushed for the second-most yards (2,601 in 14 games) in a season in FBS history in 2024 — could spark Denver's rushing attack.

Last season, the Broncos ranked 16th in the league in rushing yards (112.2). Javonte Williams — who led the team in rushing yards last season (513 in 17 games) — signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. RB Jaleel McLaughlin finished second on the team in rushing yards with 496 in 16 games.

If the Broncos stand pat at No. 20, they could still take another RB, perhaps Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson (5-foot-10, 202 pounds) or North Carolina's Omarion Hampton (6-foot, 221 pounds).

Despite that, it's easy to argue Jeanty is the jewel of a deep RB class and would instantly improve Denver's backfield.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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