The pick is in: the Las Vegas Raiders have selected Boise State superstar running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, which was pretty much expected.
While some will debate taking a running back this early, Jeanty checks a huge box for the Raiders. Las Vegas had the worst rushing attack in the NFL last season and their running backs room, which consists of Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick, definitely needed an upgrade.
Jeanty was an absolute menace over the past two years with Boise State, and he was the very best rusher in the country last season. He is a true three-down workhorse who can run, catch and block.
The new Raiders running back finished his collegiate career with 2,601 yards and 29 scores on the ground in 2024 while also garnering second place in Heisman Trophy voting.
Just in case you didn't get a chance to watch much of Jeanty in college, take a look at some of his college highlights to get an idea of what the Raiders are getting.
Spoiler alert: you're going to be impressed.
Ashton Jeanty college highlights
Ashton Jeanty scouting report
Here's more information on Jeanty, courtesy of Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:
Jeanty plays a position that has become devalued on draft day, but his unique talent and the resurgence of the run game in the NFL should force teams to reconsider that factor when weighing his value. He’s the ultimate yardage creator, with the talent and skill set to succeed independent of the quality of his blocking. Jeanty’s speed forces linebackers to flow hard outside, creating cutback lanes and chunk runs, while his vision, balance and elusiveness get it done along the interior. The threat of what he can do on the ground should create ideal play-action opportunities for his team, allowing his next play-caller to, say, unburden a young quarterback or any other passer being asked to shoulder too much of the offense. He’s compact and muscular, but there could be some minor concern surrounding his massive workload in 2024. This top-flight running back is capable of becoming the face of an offense in a league where the pendulum might be swinging back to the running game. Jeanty has future All-Pro talent.
With the selection of Jeanty, head coach Pete Carroll now has his workhorse back like he had with Marshawn Lynch in Seattle, and a formidable offense overall with Jeanty, quarterback Geno Smith, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers.
Now, the Raiders should turn their attention to adding a true No. 1 wide receiver at some point. Perhaps that's a need the Raiders will address with their second-round pick on Day 2.
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