Skepticism surrounded the Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Seth Walder was particularly vocal, calling the pick a “misstep,” not because of Jeanty’s talent, but due to the positional value. “He’ll only provide surplus value if he is elite,” Walder noted, citing the steep opportunity cost of bypassing more premium positions like tackle, edge, or wide receiver.
But what if Jeanty is elite?
Jeanty is coming off a historic season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging seven yards per carry. He also helped Boise State crash the College Football Playoff—a near-unthinkable feat for a Group of Five school in the modern era. He did all of it while facing loaded boxes and refusing lucrative NIL offers to transfer to powerhouse programs. His loyalty and production speak volumes.
Ashton Jeanty Has the Tools—and the Mentality—to Be Elite For Las Vegas Raiders
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ESPN’s Louis Riddick has seen enough to believe Jeanty can silence all doubters. “Of all the player interviews we did this year for TV, there was not a single one that was more impressive than Ashton Jeanty, by far,” Riddick said on Best Podcast Available. His praise didn’t stop at the character level. “He’s built like a tank… no body fat, limber as hell, great quickness, catches the ball, will block, he’s got home-run speed.”
Jeanty’s story is rooted in discipline and resilience—attributes instilled during a childhood that included time overseas with his Navy family and competitive football in Texas. That mentality is exactly what new head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly are counting on as they retool the Raiders offense around Jeanty and newly acquired quarterback Geno Smith.
Carroll’s history with physical, workhorse backs makes Jeanty an ideal fit. Riddick went so far as to suggest Jeanty could chase Eric Dickerson’s rookie rushing record if the offensive scheme clicks. “He’ll be a 1,700 or 1,800-yard rusher,” Riddick said. “That can happen, I really do believe that.”
While the analytics say drafting a running back that early is a risk, Jeanty may be the exception to the rule. If he becomes the engine for a rejuvenated Raiders offense, he’ll make that No. 6 pick look like a bargain.