Ashton Jeanty NFL version

By: Jake Rajala

Ashton Jeanty is unequivocally the best running back in the 2025 NFL Draft. All he did was rush for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. Hence, it was no surprise that he placed second in the Heisman voting. With that said, a fascinating question looms over Jeanty: who are his NFL comparisons?

Maurice Jones-Drew

MJD is short and stocky – as he’s 5’7 and 210 pounds. MJD also ran his 40 yard dash in 4.39 seconds! Jeanty is 5’9 and 215 pounds. Jeanty ran his 40 yard dash in 4.42! MJD is quite dangerous in the second level with his power. Both of these RBs can contribute in the passing game, as well. MJD made three Pro Bowls and one first-team All-Pro nod.

Mark Ingram

Mark Ingram is a bowling ball with underrated speed. He can shed tackles quite well. Ingram is 5’9 and 215 pounds, which are the same measurables as Jeanty. Ingram ran the 40 in 4.53 seconds, however. Nonetheless, Ingram managed to make a few Pro Bowls.

Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs is a raging bull. He is one of the toughest RBs to bring down. He ran for 1,329 yards and 15 TDs a season ago. He made his fourth Pro Bowl last season. He is in a Green Bay Packers offense that can be dangerous in the run AND pass game.

Nick Chubb

It’s somewhat easy to compare Nick Chubb to Jeanty, which is why Chubb is my fourth RB listed. With that said, it must be noted that they stack up well to one another. Chubb is a bit bigger than Jeanty, but Jeanty is a bit faster than Chubb. They are both workhorse RBs that can shine in the 4th quarter. Chubb made four straight Pro Bowls between 2019 and 2022.

Joe Mixon

Joe Mixon is a bit inconsistent, but he can really explode off the scene and have special moments. Mixon is a bit taller than Jeanty (as he’s 6’1), but they both are elusive and angry runners. Mixon has ran over 1k yards in three of his past four seasons.