Early thoughts on Raiders drafting Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas takes Boise State star running back

The Las Vegas Raiders took the player everyone expected them to take for the past several months as they selected Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall draft pick.

Here are some initial thoughts:

I love it:

This was an easy one. Yes, Jeanty was the most mocked player to the Raiders and it was for good reason. He is a special player. So, you him. Kudos to the Silver and Black for not making it complicated. He was one of the best players available in this draft and he plays at a need position, so take him. I don’t care about the fact that running backs aren’t supposed to be taken early, or their shelf lives or the fact that this is a loaded running backs class. Jeanty is special. So, take him. Yes, the Raiders aren’t just a running back away, but he will make them better. It was the right call.

Jeanty, Bowers together:

One of the reasons why I like this choice so much is the fact that Jeanty will be playing with Brock Bowers, last year’s first-round pick. These can players can grow old together and change this offense. If the Raiders are finally going to be a relevant, consistent playoff contender, the presence of these two players will be a big reason why. This can be something to watch, folks.

No. 5 was pivotal pick:

Had Jacksonville not made the bold trade up to take Travis Hunter at No. 2, the Jaguars may have taken Jeanty. There was a thought that the Chicago Bears could move up to No. 5, but the Browns take Mason Graham, opening the door the Raiders, who took just three minutes to make their choice, to pounce on Jeanty.

Running back over tackle:

There was a lot of smoke that the Raiders could take a tackle such as Texas’ Kelvin Banks or Missouri’s Armand Membou instead of Jeanty in recent days. That clearly wasn’t what the Raiders were thinkin. Yes, the offensive line crop is not going to be strong on Day 2 and the running back class will be. But the Raiders think Jeanty can be a real game changer.

Happy family:

A few weeks ago, Raiders’ general manager John Spytek, who said last week he had no problem taking a running back early, said his son would disown him if the pick wasn’t Jeanty, who joked Thursday night that he knew he was going to be a Raider because of this family stance. All is well at the Spytek residence Thursday night.

Running back history:

Jeanty, who said Thursday night that he is “super, duper excited” to be a Raider, the third running back in team history to be taken in the top 10- picks. He joins Darren McFadden (No.4, 2008) and Marcus Allen (No. 10, 1982).

Carroll way:

New Raiders’ coach Pete Carroll loves to run the ball so this pick tracks. Jeanty has been compered to Marshawn Lynch, who thrived under Carroll. A way to catch up in the rugged AFC West is to keep the star quarterbacks in the division on the sideline. Jeanty will help do that. By the way, Carroll said Lynch is fired up about the pick.

Running back depth chart:

The Raiders badly needed a running back and Jeanty is the guy. Free-agent addition Raheem Mostert will get some carries and others will be in the mix, but this is about Jeanty. Zamir White could be either a trade candidate or have a tough time making the 53-man roster this summer