Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is rapidly climbing NFL draft boards, with a recent mock draft from Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com projecting him to make a significant leap into the top 10. Jeremiah’s latest projection places Jeanty with the Las Vegas Raiders at the No. 6 overall pick, a substantial increase from his previous mock draft, which had Jeanty going to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21. This move would represent a bold offensive strategy for the Raiders, who are seeking to enhance their offensive capabilities.
Las Vegas Raiders Add Ashton Jeanty In Latest Mock Draft
“The Raiders can take some pressure off of Geno Smith by adding Jeanty, who is one of the top three players in the draft,” Jeremiah explained in his analysis.
Jeanty’s rise is fueled by an exceptional college football season, where he finished second in Heisman Trophy voting after rushing for an impressive 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. The 5-foot-9, 210-pound running back demonstrated elite vision, power, and explosiveness, consistently posing a challenge for opposing defenses.
With the Raiders recently trading for veteran quarterback Geno Smith, pairing him with a dominant running back like Jeanty could facilitate a smoother transition under Pete Carroll’s leadership. Smith’s success in Seattle was largely attributed to a balanced offensive approach, and Jeanty’s ground game prowess could alleviate pressure on the quarterback.
Despite the trend of running backs being devalued in recent drafts, Jeanty’s ascending draft stock suggests he may be an exception. If Jeremiah’s projection proves accurate, Jeanty could become a key offensive weapon for the Las Vegas Raiders.