The Las Vegas Raiders have undergone a significant transformation since the end of the 2024 season. With Tom Brady officially stepping into his ownership role, a wave of changes followed—both on the sidelines and across the roster. The most notable move came with the hiring of Pete Carroll as the new head coach.
Soon after, the team made a blockbuster trade to address its quarterback situation, acquiring Geno Smith to bring stability under center. With that position secured, focus has shifted to the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, where the Raiders hold the sixth overall pick. Given the league’s worst rushing attack last season, many mock drafts have linked them to Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
However, one analyst is making a bold prediction: the Raiders might pass on Jeanty altogether. Why? Let’s take a closer look.
Why the Raiders Could Pass on Ashton Jeanty
Every NFL Draft cycle produces a few players who break the mold — and in 2025, Ashton Jeanty fits that bill.
With a rare combination of power, vision, and versatility, Jeanty isn’t just another productive college running back; he’s a true three-down playmaker capable of immediately elevating an offense. From breaking tackles to catching passes out of the backfield, his skill set translates seamlessly to the next level.
Raiders clearly need that type of player in the run game, but PFSN analyst Reese Decker predicts Las Vegas could pass on him with the No. 6 overall pick. Decker argues that the Raiders don’t have the foundation to support Jeanty, and by the time they do, he would be worn down.
“New GM John Spytek joked that even his 10-year-old son is lobbying for Ashton Jeanty at No. 6,” Decker wrote. “But here’s the thing: drafting a premium player without the infrastructure to support him can be a waste.
“Jeanty’s a dynamic talent, but with over 830 touches in college, he may already be worn down by the time the Las Vegas Raiders are ready to win. Instead, expect Vegas to focus on building its foundation, either along the offensive line or with a quarterback to groom.”
Ashton Jeanty is coming off one of the most productive collegiate careers in recent memory. Over three seasons at Boise State, he logged 850 carries for 4,769 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns, while also adding 80 receptions for more than 800 yards and six scores through the air.
Jeanty has drawn comparisons to Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, citing Barkley’s historic rushing season that helped propel the Eagles to a Super Bowl title. However, that Philadelphia team had a strong foundation in place with Jalen Hurts and a dynamic receiving corps—something the Raiders currently lack.
Even so, Las Vegas may think twice before passing on a generational talent like Jeanty. In PFSN’s latest mock draft by Jacob Infante, the Raiders are projected to select Jeanty, with Infante noting he would be a “great fit for a coach like Pete Carroll, who leans on the run game.”
