Ashton Jeanty Selected by Raiders as First Running Back in 2025 NFL Draft

Ashton Jeanty, the standout running back from Boise State and a Heisman Trophy finalist, is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders. He becomes the first running back off the draft board, fulfilling expectations leading into the highly anticipated event.

Initially, teams like the Chicago Bears and the Jacksonville Jaguars emerged as contenders for Jeanty, but his connection to the Raiders was apparent right from the start. The Raiders, who experienced significant struggles in their run game last season, finishing at the bottom of the league in rushing production, were in dire need of a dynamic player like him.

Now entering Pete Carroll’s offense, Jeanty will team up with new Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, who will hand off the ball to him. This partnership signals exciting developments for Las Vegas as they continue to refine their offensive strategy.

Raiders’ Offensive Line Strengthening

In addition to Jeanty, the Raiders have also invested in their offensive lineup with the addition of star tight end Brock Bowers. Coming off a notable rookie campaign in 2024, Bowers adds another layer of depth to an offense in transition. These moves indicate the Raiders’ commitment to building a competitive unit that can thrive in the ever-evolving NFL landscape.

Jeanty Emerges as a Top Selection

While running backs often see their value diminished on the first day of the NFL Draft, Jeanty quickly proved his worth. His stellar performance at Boise State established him as a top ten selection. Jeanty, standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 211 pounds, possesses the perfect blend of speed and power. He mirrors the capabilities of elite backs like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, known for exploiting seams in defenses and turning them into long touchdowns.

Throughout the previous season, Jeanty consistently showcased his abilities, scoring 29 rushing touchdowns, which placed him second in the FBS for that category. Moreover, he led the nation with an impressive average of 7.0 yards per carry and racked up a remarkable 2,750 all-purpose yards—leading the NCAA.

Dynamic Playmaker with Unique Skills

Jeanty’s explosive speed and extraordinary cutting ability allow him to evade defenders with ease. He has demonstrated that he is tough to bring down, often bouncing off tackles and fighting for additional yardage after contact. This skill set presents challenges for opposing defenses, compelling linebackers to shift their strategies and forcing defensive backs to alter their tackling techniques.

With a remarkable nine runs of 50 yards or more across 14 games last season, Jeanty’s explosive plays captured attention. Had it not been for Colorado’s Travis Hunter, selected second overall by the Cleveland Browns in this draft, Jeanty likely would have taken home the Heisman Trophy.

Future Prospects for Jeanty in the NFL

While the NFL presents a higher level of competition, many analysts are optimistic about Jeanty’s future. They foresee him evolving into an All-Pro player, and the Raiders certainly hope to harness his potential as they navigate the challenges ahead.

Building for the Future

As Oakland continues to make significant changes to their roster, the selection of Jeanty marks a pivotal moment. The Raiders appear committed to crafting an offense geared towards success, and Jeanty’s addition aligns perfectly with their vision. With emerging talents like Jeanty and Bowers working together, Las Vegas strives to revitalize their football program.

The Raiders’ decision to select Jeanty illustrates a proactive approach to enhancement, pushing towards a promising future. Fans will be eager to see how this remarkable player adapts to the NFL and elevates the team on the field.