Newly hired head coach Pete Carroll’s decision at No. 6 in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft could define his era in Las Vegas. With Carroll now leading the charge, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to return to a strong, reliable rushing attack.
The Raiders have struggled to establish a consistent run game in recent seasons. That’s why drafting a top-tier running back could be key to Carroll’s success in 2025. And one former NFL running back believes the Raiders should invest in a “generational running back talent” to secure long-term stability at the position.
Pete Carroll to Get a ‘Generational Talent’ in Ashton Jeanty
During his 2024 season at Boise State, Ashton Jeanty racked up a staggering 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. In total, he logged 4,769 career rushing yards and 56 total touchdowns, earning him the “generational talent” label.
Jeanty’s explosive mix of agility and durability allows him to blow past defenders with ease, making him a prototypical workhorse back.
“I view Jeanty as a generational player at the running back position. Knowing how much Pete Carroll’s teams have relied on the run game over the years, I don’t think he’ll hesitate if he has the chance to land a workhorse back,” former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew wrote about the potential fit between Carroll and Jeanty.
Drafting Jeanty could shift the Raiders’ offensive outlook in a big way. His presence would not only be a threat to opposing defenses but would also ease pressure on newly signed quarterback Geno Smith.
There had been speculation that the Raiders might take quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 6 before the team signed Smith. Now, with Smith in place, drafting Jeanty seems like the more likely move.
Still, selecting a running back doesn’t address the team’s glaring issues on the offensive line. Both the run game and pass protection were major problems for the Raiders last season. If Carroll wants Jeanty and Smith to succeed, he’ll need to invest in the trenches.
Relying solely on Jeanty to revive the run game could backfire. At Boise State, he had a strong supporting cast and solid blocking that allowed him to maximize his abilities. Without a fortified offensive line in Las Vegas, both Jeanty and Smith could struggle.
Given that Carroll is just settling into his new role, building up that kind of line will take time. But if the Raiders want to see results soon, pairing Jeanty with Smith needs to be part of a larger plan — not just a quick fix.
PSFN’s most recent 2025 NFL mock draft from Justin Lewis also projects the Raiders to select Jeanty at No. 6.