Ashton Jeanty shows at OTAs that he can be more than just a running back for the Raiders in his rookie season
Everyone knew that the Las Vegas Raiders were going to be taking Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sure, some last-minute smokescreens of Armand Membou, who went to the New York Jets, and Kelvin Banks, who went to the New Orleans Saints, threw everyone for a loop. But the Raiders ended up taking the […]
Everyone knew that the Las Vegas Raiders were going to be taking Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sure, some last-minute smokescreens of Armand Membou, who went to the New York Jets, and Kelvin Banks, who went to the New Orleans Saints, threw everyone for a loop. But the Raiders ended up taking the guy that everyone mocked to them the entire offseason. And that's because the Raiders had the worst run game in the league last year.
Their running back room was the worst, the offensive line wasn't great, and there is a kid who is considered a generational talent sitting there at No. 6, so yeah, why wouldn't they take him? But also, they needed to put some more weapons on the offense, some more weapons for former Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith, to use.
And, not only did they get a great RB in Jeanty, but they got a guy who can do more than just run the ball. They got a true three-down RB, and Jeanty showed some of that at OTAs this past week.
Ashton Jeanty shows off his hands at OTAs
The Raiders needed a true third-down back, a guy who can run the ball in short-yardage situations, long-yardage situations, catch the ball, and pass protect. Jeanty can do all of that, as we saw in college at Boise State. But he showed a bit of that at OTAs this last week.
Of course, these are OTAs, so there aren't any pads or hitting each other, at least they aren't supposed to, so it does take away a bit from what we're seeing because you certainly hold more weight to what these guys are doing when you see it with pads on.
But he made some impressive catches at OTAs as a receiver, one of which was really nice. And, seeing that, and knowing he can do it, and knowing he will only get better, has to make the Raiders happy.
Pete Carroll is living up to Ashton Jeanty’s expectations during Raiders 2025 rookie minicamp
The two are going to gel so well together.
