Ashton Jeanty faces significant pressure and expectations heading into the 2025 season, as the Las Vegas Raiders invested the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to secure his services for the Silver and Black.
New head coach Pete Carroll is known for wanting to establish the run, so Jeanty became an obvious fit for the Raiders. At Boise State, Jeanty was the best running back in the nation due to his size, speed, burst, explosiveness and contact balance. He’s the perfect back for modern NFL offenses and should handle the majority of the work in the Las Vegas backfield come the start of the regular season.
While Jeanty’s arrival prompted excitement, he had a rough first preseason game where he carried the ball three times for negative one yard. He performed significantly better in the Raiders’ second preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, where he took 10 carries for 33 yards and one touchdown.
Jeanty understands that he’ll be counted on early in his career and revealed that he’s found a way to keep himself focused on the task at hand via Nick Walters of KTNV:
“Maybe at like first before first training camp and all that type of stuff, high expectations. But I think the best thing I’ve done for myself is kind of silence that out. I know there’s expectations for me and that’s what you want. If there’s no expectations, then you’re not doing something right. So I’m just in my own bubble just trying to get better each and every single day. Listening to what people in the building are telling me. If I’m doing good or if I’m not doing good and I think that’s what’s important.”
Any time a rookie comes with the draft pedigree and talent that Jeanty has, the expectations are going to be much higher compared to players who are afforded time to develop behind the scenes. The adjustment for running backs is typically much faster compared to other position groups, so Jeanty could get off to a fast start if he continues to acclimate.
Las Vegas should be much more competitive on paper this season, but a lot of their success hinges on Jeanty finding his footing.
Seahawks troll Ashton Jeanty
Ashton Jeanty’s first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks was a rough debut, while fellow Boise State running back George Holani did well. After the game, the Seahawks trolled Jeanty by proclaiming Holani as the best running back from Boise State.
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