Countdown to the Draft: Jeanty's Future with the Raiders

As the NFL draft approaches, all eyes are on Ashton Jeanty, the standout running back from Boise State, who is heavily rumored to be the Raiders' top pick at No. 6. This connection has been solidified over time, and it’s becoming increasingly likely that Jeanty could start his professional saga in Las Vegas.

A Match Made in Football Heaven?

The buzz around Jeanty has reached a fever pitch, with CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones revealing that many insiders believe the Raiders have 'fallen in love' with him during the pre-draft evaluations. With the coaching staff having hosted Jeanty, interest from prominent figures like Pete Carroll and John Spytek is palpable. An AFC executive even dubbed it a 'foregone conclusion' that Jeanty will be donning silver and black come draft day.

Replacing Jacobs: A Daunting Task

The Raiders faced challenges last season trying to fill the big shoes of Josh Jacobs. Although Zamir White showed flashes of brilliance as a fourth-round pick in 2022, his performance took a downturn in 2024, averaging a mere 2.8 yards per carry and struggling with injuries.

Shifting Gears: New Faces in the Backfield

The departure of veteran Alexander Mattison through free agency left a gap, but the Raiders responded by signing Raheem Mostert, a former Dolphin, on a modest one-year, $1.6 million deal. Mostert, who saw his carries plummet from over 200 to just 85 last year, will need to consistently defy expectations to contribute meaningfully.

Jeanty's Impressive College Career

During his time at Boise State, Jeanty's performance consistently improved each year, with an impressive tally of 2,739 scrimmage yards and 30 touchdowns by 2024. Even with some concerns regarding his college workload—having logged 750 carries—he's still firmly regarded as the premier talent in a robust 2025 running back draft class. Could Jeanty be the transformational player the Raiders need to turn their fortunes around?