Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby isn’t shy about praising rookie running back Ashton Jeanty — and for good reason. Following Wednesday’s OTA practice, the Pro Bowl defensive end shared his high expectations for the No. 6 overall pick, calling him “awesome” and a “hell of a worker.”
“Ashton is a great kid,” Crosby told reporters. “I’ve been able to know him before he got drafted here… he could’ve gone anywhere in the country, but he stayed at Boise State and had, arguably, the best year a running back has ever had. That just shows the type of person he is.”
Maxx Crosby Raves About Las Vegas Raiders Rookie Ashton Jeanty: “Hell of a Worker, Hell of a Player”
Jeanty, 21, arrives in Las Vegas after a spectacular junior season at Boise State. A Heisman finalist and two-time Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, he rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries in 2024. His dominance helped him earn All-American honors and the attention of NFL scouts.
Now, he’ll be a focal point in the Raiders’ rebuilt offense led by new head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Las Vegas, coming off a disappointing 4–13 season, has also added quarterback Geno Smith and a new front office led by a hands-on Tom Brady, now a minority owner.
Crosby noted that beyond Jeanty’s talent, it’s his attitude that stands out. “It’s only been a couple weeks with him, but I love the kid,” he said. “He’s a hell of a player and excited to be teammates with him.”
Jeanty enters the season as a leading candidate for 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year (+250 odds, tied with Cam Ward). If his college production translates to Sundays, he could be the engine that helps power the Raiders’ turnaround.