People often forget this about the NFL. It isn't just teams scouting players in free agency and the NFL draft. Players are also scouting teams. Center Drew Dalman admitted he had his eyes on the Chicago Bears long before free agency started, being a big admirer of their new head coach, Ben Johnson. That is why the deal between the two sides came together so quickly. It appears he isn't the only player who has watched them carefully in recent months. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is another.
The Heisman finalist had a season for the ages in 2024, coming incredibly close to breaking Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record and carrying the Broncos to their first-ever college football playoff appearance. Many see him as one of the few can't-miss prospects in this class and a safe bet to go in the top half of the 1st round. While many predict the Las Vegas Raiders taking him at #6 overall, it seems as if Jeanty has a preference of his own. A recent Instagram post confirmed as much.
Ashton Jeanty isn't bothering to hide his interest.
The running back first shouted them out last month around the time of the scouting combine. Chicago was the only team he mentioned by name when asked about going in the top 10. That was the first flag to be raised. Now he's liking a post about new Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy doing work with Adrian Peterson during their time in Minnesota together. Coincidences are hard to justify this time of year. Everybody remembers what happened with Rome Odunze last spring. It sure feels like either Ashton Jeanty really wants to play for the Bears or likely has reasonable assurance he will be their pick next month. It would mark the first time in 20 years the organization has taken a running back in the 1st round. Will he be the next Matt Forte or Cedric Benson? We will soon find out.
