Broncos reportedly meeting Heisman finalist at NFL Combine

Ashton Jeanty. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Broncos reportedly meeting 2024 Heisman finalist at NFL Scouting Combine

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 7:03 PM ET

Running back may be the Denver Broncos' biggest roster hole. Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty could certainly fill it.

On Tuesday at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Denver Broncos general manager George Paton told the media "there's a chance" the club re-signs free-agent RB Javonte Williams this offseason. However, that still seems unlikely after the RB rushed for just 513 yards in 17 regular-season games in 2024.

Perhaps that's why Denver seems to have 2024 Heisman finalist Jeanty on its radar. On Tuesday, The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler tweeted the Broncos have scheduled a formal Combine meeting with the 5-foot-9, 215-pounder.

The following teams have formal meetings scheduled with Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, per source:

• Giants
• Broncos
• Vikings
• Steelers
• Colts
• Bears
• Chargers
• Ravens
• Saints
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 25, 2025

The Broncos have pick No. 20 in the first round of the draft. RB has been devalued recently, but Jeanty may be unavailable when Denver makes its selection.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Las Vegas Raiders taking Jeanty with pick No. 6.

"Jeanty displays excellent contact balance and toughness, which help him skirt past the first line of defense and through traffic," wrote Kiper on his updated big board.

Denver could consider drafting another back, perhaps North Carolina's Omarion Hampton (6-foot, 220 pounds) and Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson (5-foot-10, 208 pounds).

The Broncos shouldn't rule out trading up to take Jeanty, who could be a game-changer for their offense.

In 14 games in 2024, Jeanty rushed for the second-most yards (2,601) in a season in FBS history and scored 29 rushing touchdowns.

A strong backfield can still help a team win a championship. The Philadelphia Eagles, who won Super Bowl LIX, ranked second in the league in rushing yards (179.3) in 2024.

If Denver improves its running game, it may be able to win its first playoff game since the 2015 season. A player like Jeanty could provide the jolt the Broncos need.

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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