USC legend Caleb Williams will learn who his newest Chicago Bears teammates are starting Thursday. But his team is urged to now go after a Heisman Trophy finalist on night one of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pro Football Focus unveiled its first round fits for every franchise ahead of the draft. Mason Cameron of PFF calls for a new weapon to arrive in the Windy City. But now PFF and Cameron believes Ashton Jeanty of Boise State is the “prospect to target” for the Bears.
Williams and Chicago will soon feature a 1,000-yard RB option for 2025. Cameron, however, stated why Jeanty is worth targeting.
“While D’Andre Swift is a capable back, it should come as no surprise that Ben Johnson favors a two-headed backfield,” Cameron wrote. “In Detroit last season, Johnson’s offense ran outside zone on 45% of rushing plays — the fourth-highest rate in the league. That makes Jeanty an ideal fit, as he led the 2025 draft class with a 96.1 grade on outside zone runs.”
Jeanty additionally provides the power to wear down defenses. He masterfully battered defenses during his time at BSU. Jeanty emerged as one of the few collegiate running backs who wore down defenses the more he handled carries.
Swift and Jeanty together becomes Johnson’s David Montgomery/Jahmyr Gibbs collaboration. Both dubbed themselves “Sonic and Knuckles,” naming themselves after the popular Sega video game characters known for their speed.
Jeanty, though, would become a third running option in Johnson’s offense. The Trojans Heisman Trophy winner Williams is known for turning to his own legs. This trio presents multiple mismatches in the ground game.
Williams, Johnson and the Bears will need to hope Jeanty falls to them, though. Multiple mock drafts predict Jeanty will land at No. 6 to the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports predicts the Dallas Cowboys will trade up to No. 9 with the New Orleans Saints — taking Jeanty from there.
Williams’ Bears hold the 10th overall pick in the first round. Chicago holds seven total picks. Running back is labeled a high need for the Bears.
