2 min read • February 24, 2025
Posted in
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football and could be the top running back taken in this year’s NFL Draft.
Jeanty, who was a Heisman finalist, was a workhorse in his 3 seasons at Boise St., including last season when he ran 374 times for 2,601 yards. His 374 rush attempts were the most since Derrick Henry ran 395 times in 2015 for Alabama.
During his final season at Boise, he suffered an elbow injury in November, forcing him to wear a protective brace. Despite the setback, he continued to perform at a high level, and by December, he publicly stated that his elbow had "completely healed," easing any long-term concerns. Jeanty had a tremendously high workload at Boise St, totaling 750 carries in 3 seasons.
Dr. David Chao, Pro Football Doc weighed in on the situation:
"Jeanty’s elbow injury is not something that will impact his long-term ability as a running back. Once healed, it does not create a risk of reinjury like soft tissue or lower extremity injuries do. NFL teams will evaluate it, but it should not be a red flag."
Why His Draft Stock Remains Strong
NFL teams place a premium on durability when evaluating running backs. Upper-body injuries, such as Ashton Jeanty’s recent elbow issue, are generally less worrisome than knee or ankle injuries. Even in the worst-case scenario, an elbow UCL tear surgery isn’t typically required, and the injury rarely impacts key attributes like speed, agility, or explosiveness. This means there are no long-term performance limitations at the next level.
In recent years, the running back position appeared to be devalued. However, with free agents like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry making a strong comeback, many are now questioning whether the market value of running backs is on the rise.
Sign up to our FREE Weekly Newsletter here for all of our best injury-insights, free injury-based picks and special offers!
SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!
SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!
For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.
Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!
Written by
