The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t select Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick to let him ease into things — and early signs suggest they won’t. At Wednesday’s open OTA session, Jeanty took the first-team reps in the backfield and immediately demanded attention from defenders, showcasing why the new regime views him as a foundational piece.
“He’s doing great. He really is,” said head coach Pete Carroll. “There’s nothing he doesn’t take seriously — from studying the playbook to working on pass protection. We’re not holding anything back.”
That mindset reflects a broader shift within the Raiders organization. After finishing dead last in rushing last season — averaging just 79.8 yards per game — owner Mark Davis hit reset. Pete Carroll took over as head coach, while John Spytek assumed the role of general manager. Their first major decision? Drafting Jeanty, a Boise State star who piled up 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in college, while also proving dangerous as a receiver.
Las Vegas Raiders Moving Ashton Jeanty To Multiple Spots
Jeanty’s versatility is a big reason for the early excitement. New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is already scheming ways to use him creatively, with Levi Edwards of Raiders.com reporting that Jeanty is lining up in multiple spots — catching screen passes, motioning into the flat, and stretching defenses horizontally.
Though Las Vegas added veteran Raheem Mostert in free agency, the approach so far doesn’t resemble a committee. Jeanty appears to be the featured back, and his collegiate receiving totals — 80 receptions for 862 yards and six touchdowns — suggest he’s built for the modern game.
A season spent playing slot receiver in high school laid the foundation for his pass-catching acumen. If Jeanty becomes a consistent third-down option, it could open up even more space for Geno Smith, Brock Bowers, and Jakobi Meyers in the passing game. That balance is something the offense hasn’t had in years.
It’s early, but it’s clear: the Raiders see Ashton Jeanty not just as a running back, but as a versatile offensive weapon. And after last year’s struggles, that’s exactly what they need.