Karen Guregian: Given the running back resurgence, any chance the Patriots take Ashton Jeanty No. 4? (2025)

With NFL offenses becoming so pass-happy in recent years, running games, and running backs by extension, were marginalized.

Of late, however, that narrative has hit a bit of a speed bump. Thanks to running back Saquan Barkley’s role in the Philadelphia Eagles postseason run, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, the position is enjoying a resurgence.

The Eagles blueprint for winning required a significant contribution from Barkley. Bringing him aboard last year pretty much put the Eagles over the top.

During the season, Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards, with 13 touchdowns.

In the playoffs, in four games, he rushed for 499 yards on 91 carries. He had five touchdowns and moved the chains for 17 first downs.

While he was shutdown in the Super Bowl, Barkley’s impact had already been felt.

Ultimately, the Eagles formula for being the best team in football featured a great defense, and a complementary offense that was good in the air, but even better on the ground.

How might that apply to the 2025 Patriots?

Mike Vrabel lived by that plan in Tennessee, and had a measure of success. His defenses were always good, and since he never had a top-end quarterback, he had running back Derrick Henry keeping the Titans offense afloat.

With Josh McDaniels once again in charge of the Patriots offense, how much of a factor will the running game play?

More to the point, can Rhamondre Stevenson perform more like he did in 2022 (210 carries, 1,040 yards, 5 TDs) or will the Patriots go hunting in the draft for another top back?

Enter Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.

Barkley was taken No. 2 overall in the 2018 draft. Would the Patriots even consider drafting Jeanty that high with the 4th overall pick?

Could Jeanty be on their radar? Will Vrabel invest in a blue chip prospect who happens to be a running back?

Given the Patriots need for dynamic playmakers on that side of the ball, it’s certainly a possibility.

Even Patriots owner Robert Kraft advocated for adding a “speed” back when chatting with the media at the recent league meetings.

“We’ve always had a strong defense and I think that any of us that are fans of the team know we want to strengthen the offense a little on the line, in the receiver area, and maybe a speed running back. But I’m talking as a fan.”

That said, it’s still hard to bet the farm on it happening at No. 4. Many of the top draft prognosticators don’t see Jeanty going that high in their mocks.

Former Patriots running back Damien Harris, speaking at a recent draft event in Foxborough, loves Jeanty and what he brings to the table. No surprise there. And even though running backs are making a comeback, and Vrabel’s tendency of having a heavy reliance on the run game, he doesn’t see the Patriots making that move.

“I was fortunate enough to be president of the Ashton Jeanty fan club all season. What a phenomenal running back he is,” Harris said. “But it’s very hard to draft guys very high at that position just because there’s a lot of wear and tear … I do think with that first pick, you do something to help Drake Maye, whether it’s protecting him, whether it’s getting him another weapon, that should be the priority.”

It’s hard to argue with his logic. Along with protecting Maye, and getting him another weapon, Vrabel has been focused on building a defense that will make an opposing quarterback’s life miserable.

Jeanty, who is considered by many a “can’t-miss” star, would check off the weapon box. There’s little question about that.

He’s a game-changer who amased 4,769 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns over three seasons, including a 2,601-yard campaign with 29 rushing scores.

He’s also been an explosive playmaker in the passing game. Toss him a swing pass or a screen, and he’s a big-play waiting to happen.

It’s just hard to imagine them taking Jeanty over their top tackle choice - likely Will Campbell - or some of the defensive talent (Mason Graham, Jalon Walker) on the board at No. 4.

While the Patriots are likely to draft a running back, they’ll be content to do it after the first round. If it’s Jeanty, it would be later in the first.

With Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson the current 1-2 punch, and Terrell Jennings also in the stable, it’s not one of the most pressing needs.

Stevenson, who experienced fumbling issues for the first time last season, and Gibson are also tied up contractually. Stevenson’s contract doesn’t expire until 2029, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Gibson, meanwhile, signed a three-year deal last year as a free agent.

That’s why Jeanty is more of a pipe dream, than reality at No. 4.

Gibson, who was available to the media in Foxborough on Thursday, was asked about the possibility of the Patriots adding to their running back room in the upcoming draft.

“That’s above my pay grade,” Gibson said with a smile.

Jeanty would certainly be a surprise choice for the Patriots. Although, stranger things have happened.