The Las Vegas Raiders utilized the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Last year for the Broncos, he recorded 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, which earned him a runner-up finish in the 2024 Heisman Trophy voting.
Jeanty became the earliest running back selected in the NFL Draft since Saquon Barkley was taken No. 2 overall in 2018. New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll is known to be a fan of highly touted running backs like Jeanty.
Carroll's history would also indicate that he will employ a run-heavy offensive style. The Raiders needed an upgrade after averaging a league-worst 79.8 rushing yards per game last season, so Jeanty was obvious choice.
Former Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch (24).
Former Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch (24).
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Recently, Jeanty spoke with Jordan Giorgio of CBS Sports and talked about another former running back that became famous playing for Coach Carroll, Marshawn Lynch. He talked about the best advice that Lynch has given him since being drafted by the Raiders.
“Don’t let anyone ruin your happiness," Lynch told Jeanty.
Lynch played seven seasons for Carroll in Seattle and was a pivotal piece of the team's Super Bowl XLVIII victory. He also played two seasons for the Oakland Raiders before they relocated to Las Vegas, so he and Jeanty have plenty in common.
Both were high draft picks as well, and it seems like Lynch is going out of his way to mentor Jeanty. The young Raider is also being diligent and learning from all of the great resources that he has on hand.