Ashton Jeanty: Will the Raiders’ Rookie RB Dominate the Backfield?
The Las Vegas Raiders, desperate to revitalize their stagnant run game, made a bold move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick. This marked the highest a running back had been drafted since Saquon Barkley in 2018, signaling the Raiders’ faith in Jeanty’s potential to transform their offense. But can Ashton Jeanty truly dominate the Raiders’ backfield and live up to the lofty expectations?
The Raiders’ Dire Need for a Ground Game
In 2024, the Raiders’ rushing attack was abysmal, ranking dead last in the NFL with a paltry 79.8 rushing yards per game. This glaring weakness severely hampered their offensive capabilities, placing immense pressure on the passing game and limiting their overall competitiveness. Recognizing this critical need, the Raiders’ new general manager, John Spytek, made it a priority to inject talent and explosiveness into the running back position.
Ashton Jeanty: A Generational Talent?
Ashton Jeanty arrives in Las Vegas with a stellar collegiate resume. In his final season at Boise State, he rushed for a nation-leading 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, showcasing his exceptional vision, agility, and power. Draft analysts raved about his ability to generate yards after contact, force missed tackles, and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. Some scouts even compared him to LaDainian Tomlinson, an NFL Hall of Famer.
During training camp, Jeanty quickly impressed coaches and teammates with his natural pass-catching abilities and willingness to embrace pass protection, addressing concerns about his readiness to be a three-down back. “Ashton Jeanty’s come as advertised,” said Sports Illustrated NFL Insider Albert Breer. “His contact balance is rare, he can pull away from defenders, and his low-to-the-ground build makes him difficult for defenders to locate before he’s past them. What the coaches were less aware of was how quickly Jeanty would be ready to roll in the passing game.”
The Competition: A Crowded Backfield
While Jeanty’s talent is undeniable, he faces competition for carries in a Raiders’ backfield that includes veteran Raheem Mostert, Zamir White, and Dylan Laube. Mostert, signed as a free agent, brings experience and a proven track record of production, having led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2023 with the Miami Dolphins. White, a fourth-round pick in 2022, has shown flashes of potential but has yet to establish himself as a consistent contributor. Laube, a rookie, offers versatility as a pass-catching back and return specialist.
Despite the presence of these other backs, the Raiders’ depth chart heading into Week 1 of the 2025 season listed Jeanty as the starter, with Mostert, White, and Laube behind him. This pecking order reflects the team’s intention to feature Jeanty prominently in their offensive plans.
Week 1 and 2: Early Struggles and Glimmers of Hope
Jeanty’s NFL debut in Week 1 against the New England Patriots was a mixed bag. While he did score a touchdown, he averaged just two yards per carry, rushing for 38 yards on 19 attempts. In Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jeanty improved his per-carry average to 3.9 yards, gaining 43 yards on 11 carries.
Despite the modest yardage totals, Jeanty’s underlying metrics suggest he is making the most of a difficult situation. Through two games, he had accumulated 80 rushing yards, with 84 yards coming after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. This remarkable statistic highlights the struggles of the Raiders’ offensive line, which has failed to consistently create running lanes, forcing Jeanty to generate yards on his own.
Offensive Line Woes: A Major Obstacle
The Raiders’ offensive line has been a significant concern early in the season. The unit has struggled to provide a consistent push in the running game, hindering Jeanty’s ability to find open lanes and maximize his potential. As a result, Jeanty has been forced to break tackles immediately upon receiving handoffs, limiting his opportunities for explosive plays.
“Las Vegas Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty is creating every yard himself,” noted Drew Laing of PFSN. “The rookie’s struggles stem directly from scheme execution rather than individual talent. Las Vegas’ offensive line has failed to generate consistent push, forcing Jeanty to break tackles immediately upon receiving handoffs.”
The Path to Dominance: What Needs to Happen
For Ashton Jeanty to truly dominate the Raiders’ backfield, several factors need to align:
- Offensive Line Improvement: The Raiders’ offensive line must improve its run-blocking efficiency, creating consistent running lanes for Jeanty to exploit.
- Scheme Adjustments: Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly needs to tailor the running scheme to Jeanty’s strengths, utilizing his vision, agility, and power to maximize his effectiveness.
- Consistent Usage: The Raiders need to commit to featuring Jeanty as the primary ball carrier, giving him ample opportunities to establish a rhythm and build confidence.
- Continued Development: Jeanty must continue to refine his pass-catching and pass-blocking skills, solidifying his role as a complete, three-down back.
The Verdict: Potential is There, But Patience is Key
Ashton Jeanty possesses the talent and work ethic to become a dominant force in the Raiders’ backfield. However, his path to success hinges on the improvement of the offensive line and the coaching staff’s ability to maximize his potential. While early-season struggles have tempered expectations, Jeanty’s underlying metrics and positive training camp reports offer hope for a brighter future.
Raiders fans will need to exercise patience as Jeanty navigates the challenges of his rookie season. If the team can address its offensive line woes and commit to featuring Jeanty prominently, he has the potential to transform the Raiders’ running game and become a cornerstone of their offense for years to come.