Ashton Jeanty is already making people look silly and he hasn’t even played an actual down in the NFL yet
Ashton Jeanty had a very nice run play in his second preseason game agains the 49ers.
There were so many comments made when the Las Vegas Raiders drafted Ashton Jeanty this offseason that really showed who had faith in Jeanty, and who didn’t.
He had one of the greatest college football seasons of all time last season, but he did it in the Mountain West, so I can understand why some people would have reservations. However, when you watch what he did every single game, you can see that the guy has some insane NFL potential.
But, there are people who hold his loyalty to staying at Boise, where he started his college career, against him. Yes, he could have transferred to a bigger school and gone that route, but he was loyal to his Broncos. Instead of going somewhere else, he trusted the process and put in a season where he almost broke all of Barry Sanders’ records.
So many think that wouldn’t translate to the NFL. Many think that he just isn’t going to be good. But, he’s already making those people look silly, and he hasn’t even played an actual down in a gam yet. He’s played a few snaps in the preseason, but that’s enough.
Ashton Jeanty is making haters look silly in the preseason game
Now, I know what people are going to say – it’s only the preseason. Sure, you’re right, but in this instance, it was the Raiders starters against the 49ers starters, or most of them, and Jeanty made an unbelievable play. And let’s not forget who the 49ers’ defensive coordinator is, in Robert Saleh, who is one of the best in the entire NFL.
On the first drive, he shouldered a defender, a linebacker actually, and somewhat ran him over. The linebacker fell to the ground, and Jeanty stayed upright, but the defender had Jeanty’s legs wrapped up. Jeanty gained yardage and made the defender fall to the ground, so technically, that rep is a win. Just because it’s not a first down doesn’t mean it isn’t a win.
The next drive was where the real magic happened, as Jeanty showed off not only his impressive vision but also his great awareness and strength. He hit a gap and stuff armed a 49ers defender into the ground, while also running him over, and then dragged another defender with him for a few more yards.
It was the epitome of a “grown man run.”
And that’s something we should see from Jeanty a lot, even as a rookie, in 2025. Jeanty ended up finishing the dive with a rushing touchdown that was pretty nice, too.
The Raiders got their guy, that’s for sure.
