“I think us growing together is key. Starting now, him pushing me is key. I know that, and he knows that — him pushing me. Because as he says and as he said before, it’s a QB-driven league.” That’s what Bears QB Caleb Williams told reporters on April 8 when asked about head coach Ben Johnson. But if we take a closer look at what Ben said in the last part of that quote, it seems to contradict what he’s focusing on right now.

Confused? Here’s the twist — despite acknowledging that it’s a quarterback-driven league, the Bears’ head coach is actively searching for that one running back. And hold onto that thought — Tom Brady is on the same hunt.  

Johnson’s offensive mind is cooking up something crazy in this year’s NFL drafts, and reports say that he might trade for that 4,769-yard RB. The NFL Rumors posted on X that the Bears reportedly want to draft RB Ashton Jeanty and even might move up to make that happen. Bears Goggles On also reported that the Boise State running back has a high chance to fall into the Bears’ lap at No. 10, and there is a reason behind it. 

The first two teams in the NFL drafts would be busy picking up Cam Ward and Travis Hunter, per many reports. So, the Bears’ competition to draft Ashton is already lower. Other than this, the New York Giants, with the 3rd pick, are expected to sign Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter if not picked up by the first two. The New York Jets are already going forward with their running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen to make up the committee. In the case of the Patriots, they are more likely to draft offensive tackle Armand Membou. 

So, the Bears have all the stars aligned to draft Ashton Jeanty, who has great talent and showed the officials on Pro Day. Jeanty’s strengths in making space down the end zone will be crucial for any team he lands in. And if we look at his stats for the 2024 season, you would not be surprised that Ben Johnson is desperate for this beast. 

In only 2024 seasons, Jeanty has landed a staggering 29 touchdowns. He achieved that by making 374 rushing attempts, covering 2601 yards at 7.0 average. That’s impressive. However, it also indicates the spike in Jeanty’s progress graph from 14 TDs in 2023 to scoring 29. And that’s why the Ben Johnson’s franchise would be even trading up to get him. But there is a catch. As we have seen, many teams are not really looking up for running back, other than the Bears. But expect one. Tom Brady’s Raiders.

Ben Johnson may lose Ashton Jeanty to Tom Brady’s Raiders

After Geno Smith‘s acquisition, the Raiders have turned on their killer mode. Tom Brady’s organization made a strong decision to make his team’s offense strong. But the Raiders might be thinking there is one position missing as they are eyeing the Boise State prospect. The draft specialist Connor Rodgers also said, “I understand why most fanbases prefer to wait on running backs. But Jeanty is special,” giving trade speculation about the RB.

According to many sources, the Raiders, who are at the 6th position for this year’s draft, might steal Jeanty earlier than Ben Johnson’s Bears. The Raiders currently have Alexander Mattison, Chris Collier, and Ameer Abdullah. But still, they want Ashton Jeanty to get an edge. BR Gridiron also reported on March 14 on X that there is a ‘contingent of Ashton Jeanty supporters’ within the Raiders organization. 

Let’s see if Ben Johnson and the Bears can catch Ashton Jeanty while going up from No. 10 to No. 6. Do you think Tom Brady’s Raiders would allow Ben Johnson to draft this beast?