March is almost over as the 2025 NFL offseason continues. There's officially less than a month remaining before the upcoming NFL draft, and a lot of Chicago Bears fans are eager to see what general manager Ryan Poles has planned for the team's seven picks — especially the No. 10 overall selection.
One upcoming first-round prospect that Bears fans are eyeing is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Rumors are swirling that veteran RB D'Andre Swift could be on his way out of Chicago following a disappointing 2024 performance, and it goes without saying that Jeanty — one of this year's top rushing prospects — would be more than a suitable replacement.
But as much as the fanbase would love to hear Jeanty's name called at No. 10 next month, it turns out the Bears might not think that highly of him after all.
Bears Lacking Major Interest in Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty Before NFL Draft
Wednesday marked Boise State's pro day, and Audacy Sports' Bill Zimmerman reported that the Bears were not "well-represented" when it came to scouting Jeanty. Even though interest levels can change, the fact that RB coach Eric Bieniemy wasn't in attendance suggests that Chicago likely doesn't have serious plans to draft the Broncos prospect.
An Ashton Jeanty tweet:
— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) March 27, 2025
The Bears were well-represented at Ohio State's pro day (Ryan Poles, Ben Johnson, Dennis Allen) but not so much in Boise to see Ashton Jeanty.
The Bears did have a representative on hand (all 32 NFL teams were there) to see Jeanty but of note:
Raiders…
Zimmerman added that the "lack of attendance at the pro day is notable" based on recent trends. The Bears used first-round picks on quarterback Caleb Williams and wideout Rome Odunze last April after general manager Ryan Poles attended each of their pro days, which the 39-year-old executive didn't do for Jeanty.
Additionally, Zimmerman said that the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints' alleged interest in Jeanty has the Bears feeling like he won't fall to the No. 10 spot.
As great as it would be to have a weapon like Jeanty in first-year head coach Ben Johnson's lineup, no one would be surprised if he's one of the first nine picks of the draft. The record-breaking RB dazzled onlookers throughout the 2024 college football season, leading the nation in carries (374) and rushing yards (2,601) while rushing into the end zone an MWC-leading 29 times.
Interestingly enough, Jeanty told reporters last month that Chicago "might be a nice destination" for him to begin his NFL career. Even though he's yet to play a professional snap, it's hard not to be excited about the prospect of his potentially leading the Bears' backfield for the next decade.
Time will eventually reveal if Jeanty is meant to wear a Bears jersey. Upgrading the RB room isn't a pressing need, meaning GM Poles is unlikely to trade up for the Boise State talent. Having said that, Chicago likely won't think twice about selecting him if he falls into the franchise's lap — especially if management is targeting the best player available.
It won't be much longer before Jeanty's outlook becomes clearer. Round 1 of the 2025 NFL draft will take place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI on Thursday, Apr. 24.