In a draft class lacking star power, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is a player every team should want.
The Green Bay Packers have no shot at landing Jeanty, who will have All-Pro potential from the moment he steps on an NFL field. However, his future team could have an impact on the Packers. We can only hope it's not the Chicago Bears.
Thankfully, the Packers (without realizing it) may have helped prevent that scenario. Signing Josh Jacobs left the Las Vegas Raiders with a huge void at running back; one many predict they will fix by drafting Jeanty at No. 6 overall.
If they don't, Ben Johnson's revitalized Bears could gladly accept their gift.
"The Bears love Ashton Jeanty, according to scouts around the league who've observed the team's activity this offseason," reports ESPN's Matt Miller.
And if the Bears didn't already have enough reason to love Jeanty, the Boise State star gave them another.
Ashton Jeanty's clear message to NFL GMs adds more concern for Packers
Jeanty made it clear. In an article for The Player's Tribune, titled "A Letter to NFL GMs," he let the world know his plan.
"I've taken the long way. I'm done with that way. 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, soon.
It's TACKLE football … you know what I'm saying?
I'd draft the guy they can't tackle."
The Packers know exactly what it's like to come up against Saquon Barkley, and Jeanty could indeed make a similar impact. Barkley put up 255 total yards and three touchdowns in two games against Green Bay last season, including Philadelphia's wild-card win.
It's tough to admit, but Ben Johnson is putting together an impressive offseason as the new Bears head coach. While it's Ryan Poles making the final decisions, Johnson's influence is obvious. He has prioritized rebuilding the offensive line in the same way the Detroit Lions did under Dan Campbell's leadership, Johnson's former employer.
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They have taken strides to support second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who already boasts a top receiving corps and now has the play-caller to maximize his potential. The only piece lacking is a game-changing running back.
It's not an exaggeration to say Jeanty could turn the Bears into serious playoff contenders.
That's why the Packers (plus the Lions and Minnesota Vikings) must hope someone else crushes the Bears' dreams. We all assume the Raiders will make the move, but if not, someone else. Anyone else. But the Bears know that, too. What if they trade up?
Honestly, it's not even worth thinking about. Sure, the Bears are professionals at winning the offseason but failing when the games begin, but this feels different.
Jeanty would be a problem for the NFC North. The Packers must rely on other top-10 teams to do them a favor.