Ashton Jeanty will walk into the 2025 season as the favorite to win NFL Rookie of the Year, as he’s got the talent and opportunity to make a real impact in his first year in the league.
The Las Vegas Raiders, under head coach Pete Carroll, selected Jeanty sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and all systems are a go for him to handle a workhorse role as soon as the regular season begins. Jeanty had a historic season at Boise State last year after rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also recorded 138 receiving yards, though he is more than capable of catching passes out of the backfield.
The running back talent around the league is impressive, and Jeanty gives the Raiders their own home-run hitter out of the backfield. Jeanty is a threat to score on any given touch due to his compact frame, speed, contact balance and vision.
When asked who his favorite running back in the NFL is, Jeanty picked the best one in Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley via Austin C. Boyd of Athlon Sports:
“I’d say Saquon (Barkley),” Jeanty told Athlon Sports when asked who his favorite active NFL running back is.
Jeanty has been a long-time fan of Barkley, as he followed him when he was still in college:
“I’ve always watched him, even when he was Penn State,” Jeanty added. “He’s just explosive at his size. To be as explosive and shifty as he is is pretty rare.”
Barkley was the Eagles’ offensive engine last year as he had plenty of room to run behind the team’s stout offensive line. There were several instances where Barkley made a highlight play in the playoffs and is a big reason why Philadelphia captured Super Bowl LIX.
Barkley proved that running backs matter in the modern NFL, and Jeanty has the chance to make good on that thought as Las Vegas should give him all the opportunities he can handle. Carroll is well-known for wanting to establish the run, and Jeanty is the perfect bellcow.
It remains to be seen how Jeanty will perform once the regular season kicks off, but there’s legitimate hope he can elevate the offense.
Ashton Jeanty discusses Chip Kelly wanting him to adjust his stance
Ashton Jeanty became infamous for his stance in the backfield as he stands straight up. Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has already reached out to Jeanty about changing his stance, and the running back discussed his side of it.
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