The Raiders made a major statement this offseason by trading for quarterback Geno Smith, solidifying their most pressing need and setting the stage for a pivotal 2025 NFL Draft decision.
The Raiders made one of the biggest moves so far by acquiring Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. This trade was a smart decision, as Smith flourished under Raiders head coach Pete Carroll during their time together in Seattle, earning two Pro Bowl selections. He is also coming off one of the best seasons of his career, throwing for a personal-best 4,320 yards while recording the second-highest completion percentage and touchdown total of his career.
With the quarterback position now solidified, the question shifts to how the Raiders will use their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team has several areas to address, including the offensive line and wide receiver, but one of the most intriguing options would be selecting a franchise running back in Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
Why Ashton Jeanty is the right pick
Jeanty is widely regarded as the top running back prospect in the 2025 draft, and for good reason. He dominated the 2024 season, winning both the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award after rushing for an astounding 2,601 yards. His game is built on several elite traits that make him a perfect fit for the Raiders' offense.
One of Jeanty’s standout attributes is his exceptional contact balance. He keeps his feet moving through tackles, absorbs contact effectively, and consistently powers forward for extra yards. Last season, he set a Pro Football Focus record by breaking 151 tackles and led all FBS players with 1,882 yards after contact—more than any other player’s total rushing yards.
Top 101 College Football Players from the 2024 Season:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 8, 2025
#2: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
⭐️ 151 Missed Tackles Forced (PFF Record) pic.twitter.com/gUCBkxNlXH
In addition to his power running, Jeanty possesses elite vision. He identifies running lanes with precision and takes optimal angles to maximize yardage in the open field. His versatility also extends to the passing game, where he has proven to be a reliable receiving threat. In 2023, he led all FBS running backs with 569 receiving yards and finished his college career with 80 receptions.
Jeanty’s skill set aligns perfectly with the Raiders' new offensive philosophy under Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, both of whom emphasize a strong rushing attack. Las Vegas desperately needs an upgrade at running back after finishing dead last in rushing last season, averaging just 79.8 yards per game. With top running backs Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah hitting free agency, the position is a glaring weakness.
Pairing Jeanty with star tight end Brock Bowers would give the Raiders a young, dynamic offensive core to build around. Selecting the Boise State standout would not only fill a critical need but also provide Las Vegas with a game-changing playmaker capable of making an immediate impact.
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