Sportsnaut
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty sixth overall in April’s NFL Draft to be their franchise running back. Big expectations have been placed on Jeanty, but none bigger than what one NFL insider is boldly predicting from the rookie.
Jeanty, along with new head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, is hoping to turn around a franchise that’s made the playoffs just twice since their 2002 Super Bowl appearance. The Raiders last reached the postseason in 2021.
Jeanty, a three-down back, will play a major role in the Raiders offense in 2025 as the team’s primary offensive threat. NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha believes Jeanty will become the first rookie — and 10th running back overall — to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.
“Yes, it’s a heavy expectation to place on a rookie. It’s also apparent that the Raiders won’t have that many weapons to rely upon in that offense, and we’re living in an era when running the football is trendy again,” writes Chadiha. “The Raiders will have to win games with a ground-and-pound approach. That puts Jeanty in position to do unprecedented things.”
In his final season at Boise State, Jeanty ran for an FBS-leading 2,601 yards on 374 carries and 29 rushing touchdowns. Overall, he had 2,739 yards from scrimmage on 397 touches and 30 scores. If anyone can rush for 2,000 yards as a rookie, it’s Jeanty.
Last season, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley became the ninth player to rush for 2,000 yards while capping off his season with a Super Bowl win and being named Offensive Player of the Year. Jeanty would be hoping to do the same.
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