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The Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie class is set to report to training camp on Thursday at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, kicking off a crucial period for the team’s new direction under new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek. With a franchise-record 11 draft picks, including standout running back Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders are banking on their young players to spark a turnaround after a disappointing 2024 season. As the pads come on and competition heats up at Raiders training camp, all eyes are on Jeanty and other rookies to prove they can handle the NFL’s intensity.
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Ashton Jeanty, selected No. 6 overall in this spring’s NFL Draft, is the centerpiece of this Raiders rookie class. The Boise State product brings explosive speed and vision to a Raiders offense that ranked dead last in rushing last season. Head coach Pete Carroll, reunited with quarterback Geno Smith, has expressed confidence in Jeanty’s ability to transform the ground game.
“He’s got that burst and toughness we need,” Carroll said during minicamp.
Jeanty’s early practices will be crucial as he competes for carries in a running back room looking to rebound. Veterans like Raheem Mostert, Zamir White, and Sincere McCormick will push him, but Jeanty’s college tape suggests he’s ready to handle a significant workload. The Raiders could look to add a veteran to this room, should any of the three not impress during camp.
Beyond Jeanty, the rookie spotlight shines on wide receivers Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. Bech, a second-round pick, offers physicality and reliable hands, while Thornton, a fourth-rounder, brings deep-threat speed.
Thornton was the star of minicamp, turning heads with both his ability to run routes and catch the contested ball. Both will vie for the No. 2 receiver spot alongside Jakobi Meyers, as Tre Tucker, who has played in the slot, has yet to cement his role fully. Their performances in camp could dictate how offensive coordinator Chip Kelly distributes targets in a passing game looking to climb out of the league’s bottom tier. With the two-headed monster at tight end with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, Kelly will have his hands full figuring out how to utilize everyone. Joint practices, like the one scheduled with the San Francisco 49ers on August 14, will test the rookies in the receivers’ room and their ability to handle top-tier defensive backs.
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Defensively, third-round cornerback Darien Porter is a name to watch. Despite Jakorian Bennett’s experience, Porter took first-team reps during minicamp, signaling a potential shakeup in the secondary. Paired with free-agent signing Eric Stokes, Porter’s speed and instincts could make him a dark horse for a starting role.
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