ashton jeanty
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Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty.
The 2025 season was one to forget for the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite some preseason hype, the Raiders were arguably the worst team in the NFL last season.
They had the worst rushing in the league in 2024, so they decided to use the No. 6 pick in the draft to select running back Asthon Jeanty. Expectations were high for Jeanty after a record-breaking year at Boise State.
However, the Raiders’ offensive line was so bad that Jeanty was frequently hit in the backfield. He only averaged 3.7 yards per carry. The Raiders are still high on Jeanty, but his rookie season was a disappointment.
He’s well aware that the Raiders were a disaster last year, but thinks things will be different. He apologized to fans for the 2025 season and made a promise.
“I’m sorry, you know, that y’all had to watch what y’all did last year, but it’s gonna be way this year, I promise that,” Jeanty told Sports Illustrated when asked if he had a message for Raiders fans.
Jeanty Very High on Raiders’ Offseason
Some of the moves the Raiders have made this offseason should make life instantly easier for Jeanty. The team hired Klint Kubiak as head coach, who wants to run the ball more than pass.
They also signed Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who is known as an elite run blocker. He’s been very impressed with what the Raiders have done this offseason, and his expectations are off the charts.
“I’m not going to lie, the moves we made (are) astronomical. They’ve been great so far. Kubiak, (John) Spytek, they cookin’. They cooking right now, bro. They overly cooking,” Jeanty said when answering questions on a livestream. “Am I happy we got Tyler [Linderbaum]? Come on, bro. What kind of question is that? It’s up this year.”
Jeanty Going to Have Huge Role in 2026
Kubiak likes to utilize two running backs, but having a talent like Jeanty could change his thought process. The Raiders will bring in a complementary back, but Jeanty is going to get the ball a ton in 2026.
While he’s primarily known for his rushing ability, Jeanty can also make plays in the passing game. He had 55 catches for 346 yards last season. Kubiak likes to utilize his running backs in the passing game, so Jeanty can see the ball even more if he proves to the catch that he can keep catching passes.
He could end up being one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2026 season. It was always going to be difficult for him to live up to expectations coming out of college, but there were flashes of what made him such a dynamic college player.
He’s now going to have a consistent offensive playcaller, and the Raiders could be better at quarterback. Linderbaum will open up a lot more running lanes for him, so he shouldn’t be hit in the backfield as often. The Raiders might not have a great passing game with a rookie quarterback and unproven wide receiver, so if they’re going to score points, they’ll need Jeanty to have a huge year.