ashton jeanty
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Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty.
Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, there are some obvious needs for the Las Vegas Raiders. Quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive tackle, cornerback and safety are some of the more glaring ones.
After using the No. 6 pick to select Asthon Jeanty in 2025, running back wouldn’t appear to be much of a need for the Raiders. Jeanty’s rookie season wasn’t as strong as the team had hoped it would be, but there were many factors for why that was the case.
With a better offensive line and offensive playcaller, Jeanty should have a much better season. However, he can’t expect to be featured as heavily. New head coach Klint Kubiak likes to utilize multiple running backs. Jeanty isn’t used to sharing the workload, but Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report listed running back as a “surprising” need for the Raiders.
“Ashton Jeanty is set up to do big things in Klint Kubiak’s offense. Let’s get that out of the way. But the fact remains that Kubiak is just coming from a position where he got to utilize both Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet,” Ballentine wrote.
“As it stands, the Raiders just don’t have a second running back who can take some of the load off Jeanty’s plate. If the Raiders want to maximize Jeanty’s explosiveness, they need a back who can help manage the workload throughout the season.”
RBs Raiders Could Target in Draft
The Raiders did show some interest in a veteran running back when they hosted Najee Harris for a visit. However, he left Las Vegas without a contract.
The Raiders may be waiting to see how the draft plays out to address the position. Ballentine named a couple of running back prospects who could make sense for the team.
“Ideally, they’d be able to find a thumper who can execute some of the between-the-tackles work. Emmett Johnson might be a little more than that. His explosiveness would give Fernando Mendoza two home run threats to hand the ball to,” Ballentine wrote.
“Even settling for Jonah Coleman a little further down our big board would raise the offense’s ceiling. His biggest weakness is that he doesn’t necessarily have home run speed, but the Raiders already have a back with that.”
Jeanty Should Still Have Big Season
While Jeanty might not love the idea of having to split the workload at running back, it could be good for him, especially early in his career. Jeanty has carried the ball a ton between college and his rookie season.
If he wants to have a long career, he can’t keep taking on such a heavy workload. Plus, not having to be on the field as often should leave him fresher to make big plays.
Jeanty is going to be the No. 1 guy this season. He has too much talent for somebody else to be the starter, but Kubiak wants to run the ball a lot, which is why he likes to have two capable running backs. If Jeanty cements himself as an impact player, he’ll still see the ball plenty.