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Former NFL MVP RB Has Strong Advice for Ashton Jeanty

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated May 19, 2025 1:58 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders made a crucial addition to their offense in the 2025 NFL Draft when they selected Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick. After having the league's worst rushing attack in 2024 by a noticeable margin, they made the massive backfield upgrade that they needed.

Jeanty comes to Las Vegas highly touted, as he was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy award last season. He ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024, which are incredible marks considering the amount of attention that opposing defenses paid to him throughout the year.

While in college, Jeanty was known for standing straight up in the backfield before the ball was snapped. Apparently, Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has already made adjustments to his unique stance.

Former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, the 2005 NFL MVP, recently responded to this news on the Up & Adams Show. He had advice for the rookie running back ahead of his first NFL season.

"You know what, you want to take every tip and every advantage as a running back," Alexander said. "I think bending would probably be a little bit better because he can hide behind people a little bit better. Sometimes, when you're standing tall, the defensive people can see what you're doing."

Jeanty, despite his incredible resume, is already showcasing his humility and adapting to what his NFL coaches are saying. It seems like Alexander, a former MVP, agrees with these notions and believes that Jeanty would be better suited in a lower stance.

Considering Alexander has been to the mountain top for a running back, and coach Kelly has seen a thing or two in his day, it may behoove Jeanty to follow this advice. Fortunately, it seems like he already is.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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