With the Sixth Pick in the NFL Draft, the Raiders Select: Explosive RB Ashton Jeanty

On April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Las Vegas Raiders made a defining move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick. Coming off a dismal 4-13 season with the league’s worst rushing offense, the Raiders have landed a generational talent who promises to ignite their attack. Under head coach Pete Carroll’s run-heavy vision, Jeanty’s elite production, dynamic skill set, and perfect fit within the franchise’s rebuilding framework signal a bold new era for the Silver and Black. This selection, while sparking debate over positional value, positions Jeanty as the cornerstone to revitalize Las Vegas’ offense and restore Raider pride.

Jeanty’s College Dominance: A Statistical Masterpiece

Ashton Jeanty’s three-year career at Boise State redefined what a running back can achieve. Amassing 4,769 rushing yards and 56 total touchdowns, he showcased durability and explosiveness. His 2024 junior season was historic: 374 carries for 2,601 yards (6.96 yards per carry) and 29 touchdowns, leading the FBS in all three categories. Falling just 28 yards short of Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record, Jeanty’s campaign included 1,970 yards after contact and 170 forced missed tackles, both College Football Playoff-era records. His ability to thrive against stacked boxes cemented his reputation as a one-man wrecking crew.

Jeanty’s versatility elevated him beyond traditional running back metrics. In 2023, he led the FBS with 159.7 scrimmage yards per game, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards. In 2024, he caught 43 passes for 569 yards and 5 touchdowns, proving his three-down value. His accolades, 2024 Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and a second-place Heisman Trophy finish behind Travis Hunter, reflect his impact. Jeanty powered Boise State to a College Football Playoff berth, establishing himself as a transformative force.

What Jeanty Brings to the Raiders

The Raiders’ 2024 rushing attack was abysmal, averaging a league-low 79.8 yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry, with only 34 runs of 10+ yards. This deficiency hamstrung their offense, limiting play-action and exposing quarterback woes. Jeanty, at 5-foot-8 and 211 pounds, arrives as the antidote. Combining a low center of gravity with explosive athleticism, he draws comparisons to LaDainian Tomlinson, Marshall Faulk, and Saquon Barkley. Scouts praise his “rare trio of wiggle, power, and speed,” with elite contact balance, vision, and burst that overwhelm defenders.

On-Field Impact: Jeanty’s ability to break tackles (151 missed tackles forced in 2024) and generating yards after contact directly addresses the Raiders’ need for a self-sufficient runner. Their offensive line, improved with veteran guard Alex Cappa, remains a work in progress. Jeanty’s ability to create yardage “almost on his own,” as noted by analysts, mitigates this weakness. His lateral agility and spin moves thrive in tight spaces, while his breakaway speed promises the big plays Las Vegas lacked.

As a receiver, Jeanty adds a dynamic dimension. His reliable hands and screen-game prowess provide a safety valve for quarterback Geno Smith, acquired via trade from Seattle. Jeanty’s rare pass-protection skills ensure he stays on the field in critical moments, enhancing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s playbook. His presence transforms an offense that ranked 31st in yards after contact per attempt (2.5) in 2024, with Jeanty’s 5.3 yards after contact per attempt offering a seismic upgrade.

Scheme Fit: Pete Carroll’s offensive philosophy, rooted in his Seahawks success, demands a physical, run-first identity. His best teams leaned on Marshawn Lynch, and Jeanty fits as a “bellcow” back capable of 20-25 carries per game. Carroll’s history with dynamic backs like Reggie Bush and LenDale White at USC underscores his excitement for Jeanty, who can “flip the script” for a lifeless rushing attack. Jeanty’s ability to dictate game flow aligns perfectly with Carroll’s vision of controlling the trenches and wearing down defenses.

Cultural Impact: Jeanty’s intangibles elevate his value. Described as a “perfect kid” with elite character, he’s a leader who uplifts teammates. His journey—born in Jacksonville, raised on military bases from Florida to Italy, and starring at Boise State, reflects resilience. For a Raiders franchise seeking stability under new general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady, Jeanty joins tight end Brock Bowers, their 2024 first-round gem, as a cornerstone. His work ethic and charisma resonate with Raider Nation, who are craving a return to glory.

Navigating the Positional Value Debate

Selecting a running back at No. 6 raised eyebrows, given the Raiders’ needs at offensive line, cornerback, and wide receiver. The 2025 draft’s deep running back class offered starters in later rounds, and critics, including some on X, argued that positional value favored a tackle like LSU’s Will Campbell (who was selected by the Patriots) or a corner like Texas’ Jahdae Barron. Historically, top-10 running backs are rare, only Saquon Barkley (2018) and Bijan Robinson (2023) since 2018, due to the position’s perceived replaceability and shorter shelf life.

Yet, Jeanty’s selection defies conventional wisdom. Ranked as high as No. 2 on draft boards by analysts like Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald, he’s a transformative playmaker, not just a running back. The 2024 NFL season, dubbed “The Year of the Running Back,” saw veterans like Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs thrive, proving elite backs can elevate offenses. Jeanty’s dual-threat ability makes him a “net positive” for an offense lacking explosiveness. Former NFL back Maurice Jones-Drew, comparing Jeanty to Marshall Faulk, called him a “no-brainer” for Las Vegas, citing his immediate workhorse impact.

Risks and Outlook

Jeanty’s arrival carries risks. The Raiders’ offensive line, while improved, isn’t elite, and a subpar unit could limit his explosiveness, as seen with Barkley’s early Giants tenure. The opportunity cost of passing on other positions lingers, but the best-player-available approach, adopted after securing Smith, favored Jeanty as a top-5 talent who fills a glaring need.

The Verdict: A Franchise-Altering Star

Drafting Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 is a defining moment for the Las Vegas Raiders. His college stats, 2,601 yards, 29 touchdowns, and unmatched efficiency, mark him as a generational talent. His vision, power, and receiving prowess transform a rushing attack that was the NFL’s worst, while his fit in Carroll’s scheme and character align with the team’s cultural reset. Paired with Bowers, Meyers and Smith, Jeanty forms a core to challenge the AFC West’s elite sooner than expected. As fans rally for a return to Raider glory, Jeanty’s arrival signals hope, turning a stagnant offense into a feared unit. With the Silver and Black’s new star, the 2025 season promises to be the dawn of a thrilling new chapter. Raider Nation get ready!