When a running back is taken high in the NFL Draft, there will be lofty expectations. That can be said for Las Vegas rookie Ashton Jeanty who was taken with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Coming off an explosive season with the Boise State Broncos, Jeanty established himself as one of the best and most dynamic playmakers of all of college football. Can he bring that same impact to the NFL? Can he be an instant impact for a Raiders team seeking an identity offensively?
Furthermore, can Ashton Jeanty become the face of Las Vegas Raiders football?
Turning back the pages of NFL history, Jeanty brings that same type of force and explosiveness as Bo Jackson did when he wore the silver and black years back. A punishing running back who was a touchdown waiting to happen every time he touched the ball, Jackson put his stamp on the NFL. Jeanty, my friends, have that same type of electricity which will trigger excitement throughout Raiders Nation Year 1.
You can bet on that!
Can Asthon Jeanty win Offensive Rookie of the Year?
After watching Saquon Barkley revitalize the running back position and wreck the NFL almost as simultaneously as Jeanty dominated college football, the answer is an astounding yes. What Jeanty brings to the Raiders’ offense is a dual-threat energy that will work to the strength of a Geno Smith at quarterback. With the Raiders other impact offensive weapon being tight end Brock Bowers, Vegas can run formations with both those players in the back field or even lined up wide.
Let’s not forget, Jeanty is not just an intriguing runner with the rock, he is an effective pass catcher out of the backfield. In 2023, Jeanty did have 43 receptions for 569 yards. Expect the Raiders to utilize that skillset as the Jeanty and Bowers duo will become a force in the NFC West with the versatility they bring at each position.
What to expect in Year 1:
There is one way-too-early bold prediction that has Jeanty rushing for over 2,000 yards in his rookie season. Although you can’t rule that out for a player with the invigorating ability of the Raiders top draft pick, but realistically he will have some challenges to start his NFL career as far as adjusting to defenses who will gameplan for him at a much faster level.
Although Jeanty did face some talented opposition in college, he didn’t play against a lot of high-level teams or defenses. That’s not enough to put an asterisk next to his performance in 2024 because Jeanty was the face of Boise State. He was the offense and still rushed for over 100 yards before halftime in many of his games. Once he gets acclimated to the NFL, Jeanty will be a force and the talk of the league. How great of an impact he makes Year 1 could lead to him becoming the face of the Raiders. His power, explosiveness along with his workhorse mentality and leadership could help redefine an organization in transition.