As expected, the Las Vegas Raiders drafted Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Rumors about Jacksonville targeting him disappeared when the Jaguars traded up for Travis Hunter, allowing Vegas to grab a player some have called a generational talent, and others consider simply the best back in the draft — though some critics point to his limited competition at the Power Five level and heavy college workload.
He’ll instantly step in as the Raiders’ lead back and workhorse in an offense expected to lean heavily on the run under head coach Pete Carroll. Jeanty will line up behind veteran quarterback Geno Smith in what Las Vegas hopes will be an improving offense.
How Does the Raiders’ Running Back Room Stack Up?
Jeanty is widely expected to be the lead back for the Vegas, especially considering they boasted one of the worst running back rooms in the league last year. He is a compact, muscular back with elite acceleration and agility. Comparisons to Saquon Barkley may be a bit much at times, but Jeanty has powerful legs and maintains his balance through contact.
In his senior year at Boise State, he carried the ball 374 times for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, setting Mountain West Conference single-season records in both rushing yards and scores. He finished second in Heisman Trophy voting and won the Doak Walker Award.
Zamir White was expected to take over lead duties after Josh Jacobs signed with Green Bay following the 2023-24 season. White showed promise in 2023, rushing for 451 yards on 104 carries, but a string of injuries last season limited him to eight games and just five starts. He totaled 65 carries for 183 yards (2.8 avg) and one touchdown, making 2025 a make-or-break year for him — even in a backup role.
Raheem Mostert signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the Raiders after being phased out in Miami. His stats dropped from 1,012 rushing yards and 18 TDs in 2023 to just 278 yards and two scores in 2024 after De’Von Achane took over starting duties. At 33 years old, Mostert brings veteran depth and leadership to the room.
Sincere McCormick is a 5-8, 205-pound second-year back out of UTSA. He rushed for 210 yards on 45 carries (4.7 avg) and two touchdowns in five games last season. A two-time Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, McCormick ended his college career with 3,939 rushing yards.
Undrafted in 2022, he spent all of 2023 on the Raiders’ practice squad before being activated late in 2024. He’s a depth option who lacks top-tier speed and power but has solid vision and cutback ability.
Isaiah Spiller signed a reserve/future contract with Las Vegas on Jan. 6, 2025. The Texas A&M product ran for 3,587 yards and 25 TDs in college but saw limited action after being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. He’s seen as a depth back with decent power but lacks top-end speed and explosive burst.
Chris Collier is an undrafted rookie from Division II Lock Haven University. At 5-11, 210 pounds, he ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and brings explosiveness, agility, and speed to the table. Though he’s raw and questions remain about his competition level, his toughness and athleticism make him a developmental project with special teams upside.
Rounding out the group is Dylan Laube, a 5-10, 206-pound back from the University of New Hampshire. He’s primarily seen as a third-down specialist with excellent route running skills and the versatility to line up in the slot or out wide. Laube makes sharp cuts, thrives in space, and could become a Swiss Army knife-type player in the offense.
While the running back room as a whole may not “wow” many, the addition of Jeanty is sure to improve the Raiders offense.
