The Las Vegas Raiders haven't been active in free agency, which suggests they're looking to grow through the draft. With a top-ten pick in 2025, they can add a game-changer who can significantly impact year one and the future.
One of the players mocked by the Raiders this week was Ashton Jeanty. Mel Kiper Jr. and Daniel Jeremiah slotted Jeanty to the number six pick, and the Silver and Black added a running back to carry the workload.
Jeanty had a breakout season in 2024, becoming the Heisman Trophy runner-up. He rushed for 2601 yards on the year, almost breaking the record held by Barry Sanders. He added 29 touchdowns, giving him 50 for his college career. He is projected to become a top-ten pick in this year's draft, and with a top-30 visit planned with the Raiders, he is clearly on their radar.
The Boise St. running back is the definition of a home-run hitter at the position. He had 36 carries over 15 yards, displaying his breakaway speed at the position. When you mix that with his vision and patience, it creates explosive plays for the offense.
In the play below, Jeanty can use his eyes to hold the safety on the edge while the hole opens in the b gap. Jeanty cuts back inside, breaks an open-field tackle, and takes it for 6.
Against Oregon, he can duplicate the previous play by using his eyes again to keep Oregon defenders out of the B gap. Once he cuts back inside, he can outrun every Duck defender for a home run play for the touchdown.
Of course, Jeanty is known for his ability to break tackles in the open field. He forced an insane 152 missed tackles last season, which led all running backs. He is a runner who stays low to the ground, keeps his legs moving, and will easily break any arm tackle.
Oregon defenders quickly learned that you must wrap up Jeanty, or it will be a long day. The outside zone is the run call, and Oregon gets a free defender, but Jeanty breaks the tackle. He gets to the second level and takes a linebacker head-on, plus another defender breaks both tackles. It turns into a massive play for Boise St., and the Oregon Ducks never actually get him on the ground.
Playing in the college football playoffs against Penn State, Jeanty didn't have his usual performance but still broke tackles. He can cut back inside on this run, but his center and guard lose, allowing a free defender to penetrate. Jeanty breaks through both tackles by the defensive lineman and then breaks another one in the second level before going down.
Jeanty might have limitations athletically when it comes to sharp jump cuts, but his homerun ability makes him an intriguing prospect. It could be a pick where fans are not excited on draft day, but his first 50-yard run will have his jersey sales reach new heights. It won't be surprising if he ends up being the pick at six.