ESPN dropped one of the most absurd takes you’ll ever see this week, and it involves Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Asthon Jeanty.

While discussing how rookie players have performed over the first six weeks of the season, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller said that Jeanty is the first-rounder that’s “underperforming”.

Jeanty was selected by the Raiders with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“Jeanty — and the entire Raiders offense — has been slow to launch. His 424 rushing yards are good for No. 9 in the league, but his 4.0 yards per carry rank 28th,” wrote Miller. “Since transitioning from college, Jeanty has struggled with his pacing when attacking the line of scrimmage and finding rushing lanes. The good news is that’s something he can fix quickly once he feels more confident in his blockers. The Las Vegas offensive line isn’t doing him any favors; only three backs have gotten fewer yards before first contact per rush than Jeanty (1.3).”

It’s insane to suggest that Ashton Jeanty is underperforming for the Raiders

I don’t know what anyone in this business is thinking if they believe Jeanty, who is still just 21 years old, is “underperforming” after only six games in the NFL.

As Miller noted, the former Boise State standout is ninth in the NFL in rushing yards.

Ninth! As in one spot behind future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry.

Jeanty is still developing as a player as he adjusts to life in the NFL (remember, he played at Boise State and not for one of the NFL factories in the SEC), yet he’s still top 10 in the league in rushing yards!

Expectations are far too high for rookies if we think 497 total yards (rushing and receiving) and five total touchdowns in six games for a 21 year old is “underperforming” — especially considering that Jeanty isn’t on a great team (sorry Raiders fans, the team is 2-4 right now).

I would bet that every running back in the Hall of Fame had a six game stretch at some point in their career where they only totaled 500 yards and five touchdowns.

Look, I get that expectations are higher for young players these days because they’re now earning hundreds of thousands of dollars while in college (millions, in some cases). But no amount of money changes the development process.

ESPN needs to ease up Jeanty. He’s performing at a high level, and he’s only going to get better as he gains experience.

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