Can Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty Make the Raiders Contenders?

The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2025 NFL season with renewed optimism, driven by significant changes at key positions and a revamped approach under new leadership. The additions of veteran quarterback Geno Smith and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty have generated considerable discussion about the team’s potential to become a legitimate contender in the AFC. While both players bring notable strengths to the roster, the question remains: can this new duo elevate the Raiders to playoff success, or even a Super Bowl run?

Geno Smith: Stabilizing the Quarterback Position

After years of uncertainty at quarterback, the Raiders made a decisive move by acquiring Geno Smith through a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Smith, who experienced a career resurgence in Seattle, is expected to bring stability and veteran leadership to a position in flux since Derek Carr’s departure and Jimmy Garoppolo’s unsuccessful stint. Geno Smith isn’t a flashy name, but he’s been quietly efficient. After reviving his career with the Seahawks (earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2022), he’s proven to run an offense effectively and throw good footballs in bulk.

Smith’s 2024 season with the Seahawks demonstrated his ability to operate efficiently within a modern NFL offense. He finished the year with over 4,300 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a completion percentage exceeding 70 percent, ranking among the league’s most accurate passers. Smith’s experience, poise under pressure, and adaptability to different offensive systems make him a logical fit for the Raiders, especially under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Kelly’s up-tempo, spread-based attack will play to Smith’s strengths as a distributor and decision-maker.

While Smith is not widely regarded as a long-term franchise quarterback, his presence immediately raises the floor for the Raiders’ offense. He is considered an upgrade over previous options and is expected to allow the team to compete each week. The organization is optimistic that, with a solid supporting cast and improved play-calling, Smith can help the Raiders exceed expectations and potentially challenge a playoff berth.

Ashton Jeanty: A Dynamic Addition to the Backfield

The Raiders splashed in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick. Jeanty arrives in Las Vegas as one of the most productive and highly regarded running backs in recent college football history. In his final season at Boise State, Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the nation in total rushing yards and earning a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist. His power, vision, and contact balance made him a focal point of the Broncos’ offense and a coveted prospect for NFL teams seeking a true three-down back.

Jeanty’s skill set is expected to translate well to the professional level. He possesses a compact, densely built frame and is known for his ability to break tackles and generate yards after contact. His patience and vision allow him to maximize blocking schemes, while his acceleration enables him to exploit gaps in the defense. Jeanty is also a capable receiver, having caught 80 passes for 862 yards and six touchdowns during his college career, making him a versatile weapon in both the running and passing games.

The Raiders plan to feature Jeanty as their primary running back, though they are unlikely to replicate the heavy workload he received at Boise State. With veteran Raheem Mostert and Zamir White providing depth, Jeanty is expected to be the focal point of a backfield committee, allowing him to adjust to the NFL’s physical demands while maximizing his explosive playmaking ability.

Offensive Outlook: Supporting Cast and Scheme

The Raiders’ offensive prospects are further bolstered by standout tight end Brock Bowers, who had a historic rookie season and is widely considered one of the league’s top young talents. Bowers and wide receiver Davante Adams give Smith a pair of elite targets capable of stretching defenses and creating mismatches across the field. Jeanty adds another dimension to the attack, providing the Raiders the balance to keep opposing defenses off-balance.

However, questions remain about the offensive line, which struggled with consistency and injuries in recent seasons. The line’s ability to protect Smith and open running lanes for Jeanty will be critical to the unit’s overall success. The Raiders have tried to address these concerns through the draft and free agency, but the effectiveness of these moves will only become apparent as the season progresses.

Defensive Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While the Raiders have made significant strides on offense, their defense remains a work in progress. The unit was hampered by injuries in 2024, with key contributors such as Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and Malcolm Koonce missing extended time. The return of these players is expected to bolster the defensive line, which should remain a strength for the team.

Despite this, the secondary and linebacker groups remain areas of concern. The Raiders’ cornerback group is regarded as one of the weakest in the league, lacking a true shutdown presence. The team addressed the position in the draft with the selection of Darien Porter, but it remains to be seen whether the young group can develop into a reliable unit. At linebacker, the addition of Elandon Roberts provides some stability, but the position lacks proven playmakers and depth.

The Raiders’ defensive success will likely hinge on their ability to generate pressure up front and compensate for deficiencies in the back seven. Head coach Pete Carroll, known for his defensive acumen, faces the challenge of molding a cohesive unit capable of complementing the team’s offensive improvements.

Realistic Expectations for 2025

With Geno Smith at quarterback and Ashton Jeanty leading the backfield, the Raiders are positioned to be more competitive in 2025 than in recent seasons. The offense can be dynamic, particularly if the offensive line holds up and the skill position players remain healthy. Smith’s experience and leadership, combined with Jeanty’s explosive running style, provide the team with a balanced attack capable of challenging opposing defenses.

However, the Raiders still face significant hurdles in their quest to become genuine championship contenders. The defense, while improved with the return of key players, remains unproven in the secondary and at linebacker. Though addressed in the offseason, the offensive line must demonstrate it can consistently protect the quarterback and establish the run.

In the best-case scenario, the Raiders could contend for a playoff spot and potentially make a run in the postseason if everything aligns. More realistically, the team is likely to compete for a wild-card berth, with the possibility of winning a playoff game if the offense reaches its full potential. Further improvements will be necessary for the Raiders to take the next step and challenge for a Super Bowl, particularly on defense and along the offensive line.

Conclusion

The arrivals of Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty mark a new chapter for the Las Vegas Raiders, offering hope for a more competitive and entertaining team in 2025. While both players are poised to make significant contributions, the path to sustained success will require continued development, roster upgrades, and a cohesive team effort. The Raiders appear on the right track for now, but the journey to championship contention is far from complete.