The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t use the sixth overall pick on Ashton Jeanty just to keep him waiting in the wings. But head coach Pete Carroll is making it clear: the rookie phenom will have to earn every snap.
Jeanty, who lit up college football last season with a record-breaking year at Boise State, has already impressed at Raiders minicamp. “Ashton is every bit what we hoped he would look like,” Carroll said. “He’s caught the ball well, taken everything seriously, shown terrific effort throughout. We told him everyone would be watching—and he’s embraced that.”
Ashton Jeanty Shines Early, But Pete Carroll Plans to Keep Las Vegas Raiders’ Backfield a True Competition
Despite that glowing review, Carroll isn’t rushing to anoint Jeanty as the workhorse back. In typical Carroll fashion, he’s signaling that the Raiders will take a committee approach to the position—even with a player of Jeanty’s caliber in the fold.
“I love having multiple guys play,” Carroll told reporters at the conclusion of minicamp. “I’m not relying on one guy. Thunder and Lightning back in the day—whatever it takes to get it done.”
Veteran Raheem Mostert, signed to a one-year deal in free agency, is very much in the mix. Carroll called him a “nightmare” to coach against in past seasons, and praised his explosiveness and leadership. “Raheem, I love having him. He’s an experienced guy, been a great speedster for years.”
Beyond Jeanty and Mostert, Carroll mentioned Zamir White and Sincere McCormick as players who could carve out roles in the rotation. Still, the spotlight will remain fixed on the rookie, who brings an unmatched collegiate résumé into the building.
Jeanty’s 2024 season at Boise State was nothing short of historic: 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns across 14 games, plus 138 receiving yards and another score through the air. He earned first-team All-Mountain West honors, was named the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year, and swept a collection of national awards, including the Maxwell and Doak Walker. Only Travis Hunter edged him out for the Heisman.
The expectations are enormous. And yet, Carroll’s philosophy leans on patience and competition.
“When we go to camp, it’ll be game on,” Carroll said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Las Vegas is hoping that internal competition will fuel a turnaround after a dismal 4–13 season in 2024. The Raiders haven’t reached the postseason since 2021, and they’ll open their 2025 campaign on the road against the Patriots on September 7.
Jeanty has all the tools to become a star in the league. But under Pete Carroll, nothing will be handed to him. The backfield belongs to the best performer—not the biggest name.