Ashton Jeanty seen as perfect fit for Raiders by analyst

When the Las Vegas Raiders selected Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, fans were euphoric about what he would bring to their team.

The Raiders sported the worst rushing attack in the league last season, leading to opponents being able to turn them into a one-dimensional offense quickly. With Jeanty joining the fold alongside quarterback Geno Smith and head coach Pete Carroll, the Raiders should be able to find more balance on that side of the ball. Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly have had success with building strong running games in both the college and pro games, so Jeanty could be in for a magical rookie campaign.

Analysts appear to be in unanimous agreement about the success Jeanty could enjoy in his rookie year.

Jeanty to the Raiders has been labeled as one of the best rookie-to-team fits.

According to CBS Sports’ NFL analyst Chris Trapasso, Jeanty is the second-best fit of any rookie this season, only finishing behind Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori.

“Jeanty is a special runner with deceptive speed, otherworldly contact balance and impeccable vision between the tackles. He’s in for a monster Year 1 with Kelly as his offensive coordinator in Las Vegas,” wrote Trapasso.

Carroll and Kelly have been arguably two of the best coaches to build strong running attacks throughout their careers.

Carroll turned Reggie Bush into a superstar at USC, then unlocking the potential of Marshawn Lynch with the Seahawks. Kelly has also had a nice track record of success with turning running backs into major offensive weapons.

“When Kelly was the hottest head coach candidate in football and landed with the Eagles, LeSean McCoy subsequently set career highs in carries and yards en route to an All-Pro distinction in 2013 and followed with the second-most rushing yards he ever had in the NFL the next season,” Trapasso mentioned.

“Even in the disastrous, 2-14, one-year stint in San Francisco, Kelly got 988 yards at what proved to be a career-high 4.6 yards-per-tote from Carlos Hyde. Last year at Ohio State, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson eclipsed 1,000 yards each. Kelly knows and wants to feature running backs in his scheme.”

If the Raiders are planning to place an emphasis on the running game, Jeanty stands to be the primary benefactor.