The Las Vegas Raiders underwent a massive overhaul this offseason, bringing in a new head coach (Pete Carroll), new quarterback (Geno Smith), new minority owner (Tom Brady), and new general manager (John Spytek). Now, all eyes are on the new-look Raiders to see who they draft with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Raiders Predicted To Land Generational RB Ashton Jeanty
In PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft, NFL draft analyst Reece Decker has the Raiders picking Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in the first round.
Last season, Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns while also catching 23 passes for 138 yards and a TD. Jeanty is widely regarded as the best running back prospect in years, and he seems like a perfect fit for Carroll’s run-heavy offense.
“The Las Vegas Raiders’ trade for Geno Smith effectively removes them from the first-round quarterback conversation, especially in light of the $85.5 million contract extension,” Decker wrote. “Much like what Smith and 73-year-old head coach Pete Carroll did in Seattle, the Raiders will look to win with an efficient offense built around a strong rushing attack.
“Nobody is better to lead the attack than Jeanty. The 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up is a bona fide blue-chip prospect and generational talent. He is a dynamic playmaker who possesses elite contact balance, remarkable power and durability, dangerous top-end speed, and the ability to flip the field on a single cut.
“He has the ability to be an instant game-changer and a foundational piece for a rebuilding organization. Jeanty is an X factor.”
Jeanty’s Scouting Report Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft
Former NFL scout and current PFSN NFL draft analyst Brently Weissman raves about Jeanty in his scouting report.
“There are few running backs in recent memory that are entering the draft with as much hype as Jeanty, and with good reason. Jeanty offers outstanding playmaking ability and has the game-breaking attributes that can justify a team spending high draft capital at a non-priority position such as running back.
“Jeanty offsets his average size with outstanding speed, burst, and vision. Jeanty is a short running back but has a dense build with a sturdy lower body. While not possessing imposing size, Jeanty has rare contact balance and can easily bounce off would-be tacklers without losing speed or balance.
“He is a physical runner who flashes a strong stiff arm, and it often takes multiple tacklers to bring him down. In short, Jeanty is a player who defensive coordinators preach about gang tackling all week, considering his ability to break through tacklers late in the down for extra yards.
“Jeanty is a scheme-versatile back who shows the ability to excel in a power and gap scheme or a wide-zone-oriented offense. Jeanty displays outstanding vision as a zone runner and can quickly scan and diagnose the crease while pressing horizontally. He runs with excellent patience and allows his blockers to set up, then displays rare acceleration to burst through the gap or hole.
“Jeanty has an innate ability to make himself untouchable for defenders and is one of the most elusive and slippier backs I have ever scouted. He runs with rare instincts for the position, seemingly always two steps ahead of the defender and consistently setting him up to fail.
“In the passing game, Jeanty displays good overall hands and is a reliable target on screens, wheel, and rail routes. However, he doesn’t have an array of routes in his bag and wouldn’t be a player teams would want to split outside. Jeanty is a willing pass protector, but his lack of strength and length limit his ability to consistently win at the point of attack.
“Overall, Jeanty is a rare playmaker at the position who does all the little things well while also offering game-breaking home-run ability. While his lack of NFL-caliber size may give some teams pause, I expect Jeanty to hear his name called early on Day 1 of the NFL Draft.”