The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the worst running games in the NFL last season. They aim to change that in 2025. The coaching staff was revamped, but the biggest move was taking former Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick. He was hyped throughout the draft process, but some wondered whether his dominance in college would translate to the NFL. After the first few weeks of training camp, it seems Jeanty is as advertised.
Las Vegas Raiders Ashton Jeanty Impressing Early
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said that his young running back is “every bit” of what the team was hoping for when they spent a top-ten pick on the running back. It isn’t just his running ability that is impressing the team. His pass-catching abilities have been on display, and he reportedly already has an understanding of the offense. The Heisman Trophy runner-up is already taking a majority of the first-team reps. Left tackle Kolton Miller spoke about what impresses him the most.
“He’s such a strong and dynamic back. Even if he gets hit, he’s still balanced, and that’s super unique.”
The offense needs the running game to be better in 2025. Last year, they only averaged 79.8 rushing yards per game, which was the worst in the league. However, the gap between them and the 31st-ranked team was huge. The New York Jets were 31st and averaged 91.8 rushing yards per game. Ashton Jeanty should be able to boost the running game immediately.
2025 Outlook
Ashton Jeanty isn’t the only new piece for the offense. Carroll is reuniting with quarterback Geno Smith after the team traded for him in the offseason. One of the reasons the running game might have been so poor last season was the play from Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell at quarterback. Teams could load the box and dare the Raiders to beat them through the air. With Smith under center, teams will have to respect the passing game.
While the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t the favorites in the AFC by any means, this group should be better than last season. Teams will have to watch out for Jeanty in the passing game as well. Maxx Crosby should be back healthy, and he can wreck games on the defensive line. Teams will have to be careful when playing the Raiders, or they could get surprised by a frisky team.
Final Thoughts
It’s always good when a first-round pick is doing well in training camp. Nothing is worse than feeling like a team wasted a first-round pick. How many yards will Jeanty rack up in 2025?
