Saquon Barkley’s electrifying 2024 season reminded the league just how transformative an elite running back can be in the right system. And for incoming rookie Ashton Jeanty, Barkley’s Super Bowl run with the Philadelphia Eagles wasn’t just inspiring—it was a preview of what he plans to do in the NFL.
In a bold open letter to general managers published in The Players’ Tribune, Jeanty made his case clear: He’s the next game-changer.
“Most people watched the Eagles win the Super Bowl and saw Saquon dominate the playoffs, thinking, ‘This is amazing.’ I watched it and thought something else: ‘That can be me.’”
A near-consensus top-five talent in next week’s draft, the Boise State star is a nightmare for defenders—elusive, powerful, and nearly impossible to bring down. His rare blend of balance, agility, and tackle-breaking ability makes him one of the most exciting prospects in this class.
Just two years ago, Bijan Robinson (No. 8) and Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 12) surprised some as first-round picks. This year, it would be a shock if Jeanty isn’t a top-10 selection on April 24.
Jeanty also pointed to his upbringing in a military family as the foundation of his resilience—a mindset he’s ready to bring to the NFL. He closed his letter with a mic-drop moment:
“If you pick me, it’s simple: I’m coming to your franchise to do what Saquon and the Eagles just did. I’m coming to win—big, and soon. It’s tackle football… you know what I’m saying?
I’d draft the guy they can’t tackle.”
That kind of confidence is exactly what teams should want. The NFL is unforgiving, but a player with Jeanty’s self-belief and relentless mentality won’t back down when adversity hits.
And if he delivers on his promise? Some lucky franchise is about to land the most dangerous weapon in the draft.
Leave a Reply