The Las Vegas Raiders drafted former Boise State standout running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It was a move that should completely change the outlook for the Raiders' offense. Along with Geno Smith, Jeanty will help take the team's offensive unit to the next level.
During his college career with the Broncos, Jeanty terrorized opposing defenses. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist during the 2024 season, but came up short due to Travis Hunter's big-time year.
Heading into his rookie season with Las Vegas, expectations are high for Jeanty. He is expected to make a big impact right off the bat.
With that in mind, his college head coach has spoken out with a ringing endorsement.
During an appearance at Mountain West Media Day, Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson did not hold back his thoughts about his former star running back.
"Seeing him be the sixth overall pick, money and all this, he's earned it," he said. "Everybody wants those things, but not a lot of people want to do what it takes to get those. Ashton does, and I think he's going to be not only one of the best football players in the NFL, I believe he's going to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. But I also believe he's going to have a huge push for that culture that Coach [Pete] Carroll is developing."
What did Jeanty do in order to earn being the No. 6 overall pick in the draft? A simple look at his 2024 production will show that.
Jeanty played in 14 games for the Broncos during the 2024 season. He carried the football 374 times for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Jeanty also caught 23 passes for 138 yards and another touchdown.
RotoWire has revealed their projections for Jeanty's rookie season. They have him rushing for 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns on 280 carries and racking up 319 yards and two scores through the air.
Only time will tell what Jeanty's NFL career ends up looking like. However, Danielson believes he's on his way to superstardom. The Raiders clearly agree with that assessment after investing such a high pick into him.
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