Raiders’ Jeanty: Can the Highly Touted Rookie RB Overcome a Porous O-Line?
Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders’ highly touted rookie running back, entered the 2025 season with immense expectations. Drafted sixth overall, the Boise State standout was expected to revitalize the Raiders’ rushing attack and become an immediate focal point of the offense. However, through the first three weeks of the season, Jeanty’s production has been underwhelming, leaving many to wonder: can he overcome the significant challenges posed by Las Vegas’ struggling offensive line?
Jeanty’s Promising Start Derailed by O-Line Woes
Jeanty’s talent is undeniable. During training camp, reports highlighted his exceptional footwork, vision, and receiving ability. A video surfaced showing Jeanty “crushing drills,” further fueling the hype surrounding his potential impact. However, the transition to the NFL has been bumpy.
In Week 1 against the New England Patriots, Jeanty had 19 carries for a meager 38 yards and one touchdown. While he found the end zone, his 2.0 yards per carry average raised concerns. Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers saw a slight improvement, with 43 rushing yards and a 3.9-yard average. But Week 3 against the Washington Commanders was perhaps the most telling. Jeanty received his highest workload of the season with 17 carries but managed only 63 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry.
These numbers are far from the explosive production expected from a top-10 pick. The primary culprit? A struggling offensive line that consistently fails to create running lanes.
The Raiders’ O-Line: A Major Roadblock
The Raiders’ offensive line has been a significant liability in the early stages of the 2025 season. Pro Football Network ranked them 28th in the league, citing their inability to generate yards before contact. In fact, the Raiders are the only team in the NFL averaging negative yards before contact in the run game, a dismal -0.05 yards per attempt.
Against the Commanders, Jeanty was frequently met at or behind the line of scrimmage. Ryan McFadden reported that Jeanty was hit at or behind the line on 11 of his 17 rushes against Washington. This means that on a staggering 57% of his carries this season, Jeanty has had to fight through immediate penetration.
Sporting News highlighted Alex Cappa and DJ Glaze as significant offenders in Week 3, combining for 13 pressures allowed. When Jeanty ran behind Cappa, he averaged a paltry 0.28 yards per carry on seven attempts.
Powers-Johnson: The Untapped Potential?
The struggles of the offensive line raise questions about the utilization of Jackson Powers-Johnson, the Raiders’ second-round pick from 2024. Powers-Johnson, regarded as one of the best interior offensive linemen in his class, has seen limited playing time, with Pete Carroll offering what many consider a “bizarre excuse” for benching him in Week 3.
Powers-Johnson started 15 games as a rookie, playing both guard and center. He graded out well, finishing as the No. 40 guard in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite his versatility and potential, the Raiders seem hesitant to give him a consistent role.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted that the Raiders are young up front, with Kolton Miller being the only veteran presence. He suggested that the team needs to be patient, but also questioned why Powers-Johnson isn’t playing a more prominent role.
Jeanty’s Resolve and the Path Forward
Despite the challenges, Jeanty remains optimistic. He stated that he wants to “set the tone” for the Raiders’ running game and emphasized the importance of physicality. “I don’t think you draft a guy like me to not give me carries and touches,” Jeanty said.
Coach Carroll acknowledged that Jeanty was “hyped” in his NFL debut and needed to be more patient. However, he expressed confidence in Jeanty’s potential, stating that he can be “way better.”
For Jeanty to succeed, the Raiders must address their offensive line issues. Whether that means inserting Powers-Johnson into the starting lineup or making other adjustments, the team needs to find a way to create running lanes and give Jeanty a chance to showcase his talent.
Can Jeanty Overcome the Odds?
The answer remains to be seen. Jeanty possesses the talent and determination to excel in the NFL. However, his success hinges on the Raiders’ ability to fix their offensive line woes. If the line continues to struggle, Jeanty’s rookie season may be defined by frustration and unrealized potential. But if the Raiders can find a way to improve their blocking, Jeanty has the potential to become the star running back they envisioned when they drafted him.