The Las Vegas Raiders may not have landed the quarterback they hoped for, and while they might have preferred players like Cam Ward or Abdul Carter, they still made a significant impact during the 2025 NFL Draft by blocking the Denver Broncos’ attempts to trade up and select running back Ashton Jeanty.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Broncos had plans to move up in the first round to acquire Jeanty, a highly regarded running back. Denver contacted teams picking in the top 10 but ultimately deemed the asking price too steep. Adding fuel to the fire, Las Vegas, picking at No. 6, were eyeing Jeanty as well, making a trade with them unlikely, as division rivals rarely make such deals.
For the Broncos to have moved up, they would have needed a top-five pick. When the Cleveland Browns traded their pick, Denver briefly entertained the possibility of making a move. However, the hefty price tag reportedly deterred them from pulling the trigger.
Denver Broncos Were Eyeing Trade For Las Vegas Raiders Pick, Ashton Jeanty
While the Broncos hesitated, the Raiders saw an opportunity. ESPN’s Matt Miller was quick to praise the decision to select Jeanty, calling him the third-best player on his draft board. “Jeanty was the last of the true blue-chip players in this class,” Miller wrote, adding that Jeanty had Rookie of the Year potential. “He will get an abundance of carries under head coach Pete Carroll, who won a Super Bowl in Seattle with a great power running back and stout defense.”
Part of what makes Jeanty so appealing to the Raiders is his ability to gain yards after contact. ESPN’s Steve Muench highlighted Jeanty’s ability to break tackles, saying, “His core strength is excellent… He stiff-arms and sheds defenders who fail to wrap up his legs.” Known for his patience and burst, Jeanty isn’t just a power back; he also has strong receiving skills, making him a versatile asset to any team.
Jeanty is no stranger to recognition, becoming the first running back selected as a Heisman Trophy finalist since 2017. He’s entering the NFL at a time when running back value is on the rise, something Jeanty acknowledges: “It’s a great time to be coming into this league,” Jeanty said. “I can see the value of running backs is definitely going to go back up.”
Las Vegas’ decision to take Jeanty was a calculated move, ensuring they not only secured a valuable asset but also thwarted the Broncos’ efforts to add the standout running back to their roster.