Raiders’ Rookie Sensation: Is Ashton Jeanty the Frontrunner for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year?

The Las Vegas Raiders made a bold statement in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick. This move immediately ignited discussions about Jeanty’s potential impact and whether he could be the favorite to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. After a stellar college career, is Jeanty poised to take the league by storm?

Jeanty’s Collegiate Dominance

Ashton Jeanty’s journey to the NFL was nothing short of spectacular. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he honed his skills across various locations, including a stint playing football for a military dependents school in Naples, Italy. However, it was at Boise State where he truly blossomed into a star.

During his time with the Broncos, Jeanty amassed impressive statistics:

Rushing Yards: 4,769 yards on 750 carries
Rushing Touchdowns: 50
Receptions: 80 for 862 yards
Receiving Touchdowns: 6

In his junior year, Jeanty was the Heisman Trophy runner-up and a unanimous All-American. He led the NCAA with 2,601 rushing yards, just shy of Barry Sanders’ single-season record. His 29 rushing touchdowns were second-most in the NCAA, and he set an FBS record with 14 games of 100+ rushing yards. In the opening game of the 2024 season against Georgia Southern, Jeanty rushed for 267 yards and 6 touchdowns, breaking a 46-year-old Boise State single-game record.

Raiders’ Investment and High Expectations

The Raiders’ decision to draft Jeanty so high underscores their belief in his exceptional talent. He is the highest running back drafted since Saquon Barkley went second overall in 2018. Raiders’ Head Coach Pete Carroll is expected to implement a run-heavy offensive scheme, positioning Jeanty as the primary ball carrier.

“I am super duper excited,” Jeanty said after being drafted. “There is a lot of history in the Raiders building, and I am excited to be a part of that.”

The Raiders struggled with their running game in 2024, finishing last in the league in rushing yards. Jeanty’s arrival is expected to revitalize this aspect of their offense.

Offensive Rookie of the Year Competition

While Jeanty is considered an early frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, he faces stiff competition. Other notable candidates include:

Cam Ward (QB, Tennessee Titans): Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, is expected to start immediately for the Titans. Quarterbacks have won the award in five of the past nine years, making Ward a strong contender.
Travis Hunter (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars): Hunter is a unique two-way player who could contribute significantly on both offense and defense.
Omarion Hampton (RB, Los Angeles Chargers): Hampton is joining a team committed to running the ball under coach Jim Harbaugh.
Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Carolina Panthers): McMillan was drafted eighth overall and is expected to be a primary weapon in the Panthers’ offense.

Factors Favoring Jeanty

Several factors could give Jeanty an edge in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race:

High Draft Position: Historically, players drafted early in the first round have a higher chance of winning the award.
Expected Volume: With the Raiders planning a run-heavy offense, Jeanty is likely to receive a high volume of carries and targets.
Versatility: Jeanty is not just a powerful runner; he is also a capable receiver, making him a threat in multiple facets of the game.
Immediate Impact: The Raiders desperately need a strong running game, and Jeanty has the potential to make an immediate impact.

Potential Challenges

Despite his talent and favorable situation, Jeanty faces potential challenges:

Offensive Line: The Raiders’ offensive line needs to perform at a high level to create opportunities for Jeanty.
Competition at Running Back: While Jeanty is expected to be the lead back, he will still have to compete with Zamir White, Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick for carries.
Durability: At 5’8″ and 211 pounds, Jeanty’s size could raise concerns about his ability to withstand the rigors of a full NFL season.
Chip Kelly’s Offense: While Kelly has a history of targeting running backs, the Raiders also lack depth at wide receiver which could lead to Jeanty getting more targets.

Expert Commentary

NFL analysts have lauded the Raiders’ selection of Jeanty. Maurice Jones-Drew, an NFL Media analyst, considers Jeanty the best running back prospect he has scouted since joining NFL Media in 2015. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com praised Jeanty’s ability to create yardage independently of his blocking.

Conclusion

Ashton Jeanty’s arrival in Las Vegas has generated considerable excitement. His exceptional college production, the Raiders’ commitment to the running game, and his versatility make him a strong contender for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. While challenges exist, Jeanty has the talent and opportunity to become a star in the league. Whether he ultimately wins the award remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ashton Jeanty is a rookie to watch in 2025.