As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the prospects vying for a spot in the league, and one player who has had a significant amount of attention leading up to the event is running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty, who has shown immense promise throughout his college career, was expected to be one of the top players selected. However, in Daniel Jeremiah’s latest Mock Draft 2.0, there has been a surprising shift in Jeanty’s projected draft stock. So, how far has he fallen?

Jeanty’s Draft Hype and Expectations

At the start of the draft cycle, Ashton Jeanty was seen as one of the most exciting running backs entering the draft. His impressive combination of speed, vision, and pass-catching ability made him a standout player at his college. Analysts and scouts had high expectations for Jeanty, with many predicting he could be selected in the early rounds—potentially even in the second round. His blend of athleticism and versatility had many thinking he could be an immediate contributor at the next level, filling a key role for NFL teams looking for an explosive and dynamic back.

Daniel Jeremiah’s Mock Draft 2.0 and the Fall

However, in Daniel Jeremiah’s latest Mock Draft 2.0, Ashton Jeanty finds himself falling much further down the board than expected. While some had him as a potential second-round pick, Jeremiah’s mock now has Jeanty slipping into the fourth or even fifth round. This is a significant drop, and many fans and analysts are left wondering what could have caused this decline in Jeanty’s stock.

Jeremiah’s analysis sheds some light on the situation. According to him, while Jeanty has shown flashes of brilliance, there are concerns about his consistency and ability to handle the physicality of the NFL game. His performance at the combine, while solid, didn’t blow scouts away in comparison to other top running back prospects. Additionally, some teams have raised questions about his ability to succeed in a more traditional running back role, as he has been primarily used in a spread system that may not fully translate to the NFL’s pro-style offenses.

What Caused the Drop?

So, what factors are contributing to Jeanty’s drop in the rankings?

Deep Running Back Class: One of the major reasons for Jeanty’s fall is the strength of this year’s running back class. With several high-caliber prospects, such as Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Devon Achane, many teams may be prioritizing other positions early in the draft. This has caused the depth at running back to push Jeanty down the list, as teams could opt for other players with higher ceilings or better fit for their schemes.

Injury Concerns: There have been whispers of injury concerns with Jeanty, though nothing major has been publicly disclosed. Teams are always cautious when it comes to players with a history of injuries, and this could be a contributing factor to his fall. Jeanty’s durability and ability to withstand the rigors of an NFL season will be under the microscope.

System Fit: Another concern has been Jeanty’s ability to fit into different offensive systems. While he thrived in a college spread offense that relied heavily on outside zone runs and quick passes, it remains to be seen how he’ll adjust to the more pro-style offenses of the NFL. Teams looking for running backs who can thrive in a more traditional setup might be hesitant to take a risk on him.

Combine Performance: While Jeanty posted solid numbers at the combine, his testing results didn’t necessarily separate him from the pack. Some scouts may have expected more explosiveness, and his 40-yard dash time, although respectable, may not have been fast enough to elevate his stock significantly.

What’s Next for Ashton Jeanty?

While the drop in the draft could be disappointing for Jeanty, all hope is not lost. Being drafted in the fourth or fifth round doesn’t mean the end of his NFL dreams. There have been plenty of success stories from later-round running backs, and Jeanty’s skill set still makes him a potentially dynamic player at the next level.

The fall could actually be a blessing in disguise, as it may allow Jeanty to land with a team that truly values his strengths. He could be in line for a more prominent role sooner rather than later, as many teams are looking for versatile running backs who can contribute both as rushers and receivers out of the backfield.

Ashton Jeanty’s future in the NFL remains bright, but he will need to use the chip on his shoulder to prove the doubters wrong. The NFL Draft is full of surprises, and Jeanty still has the potential to be a key contributor for whichever team takes a chance on him. Only time will tell how far his stock continues to fluctuate, but as it stands, the world will be watching closely to see how his journey unfolds.

Final Thoughts

Ashton Jeanty’s fall in Daniel Jeremiah’s Mock Draft 2.0 is a reminder of how unpredictable the draft process can be. From the excitement and hype of his early draft projections to the current uncertainty surrounding his stock, the rollercoaster ride for Jeanty is far from over. Teams will continue to evaluate him through the draft process, and perhaps a team will see the hidden potential in him that others have overlooked.

For Jeanty, this is just one chapter in his journey to the NFL, and as we’ve seen time and time again, players often rise to the occasion and exceed expectations—no matter where they’re drafted. The future is still wide open for this talented running back.