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Chip Kelly Already Pushing Ashton Jeanty to Make Notable Change

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated May 19, 2025 4:04 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders had the worst running offense in the league last year, as evidenced by their 79.8 yards per game on the ground. Zamir White and Alexander Mattison were not the long-term solutions, and in addition, free agent Raheem Mostert is on a one-year prove-it deal.

That means that the Silver and Black needed to find an answer in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they did exactly that with first-round running back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. He was the consensus top player at the position in the class, and most had him labeled as a generational prospect.

Jeanty was known in college, not just for his electric running style, but for his unique pre-snap stance in the backfield. He stood straight up-and-down at Boise State, whereas most other players are in a more athletic position.

While his stance did not prevent him from setting records and rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, he may have to change his ways at the NFL level. Jeanty spoke on the Up & Adams Show about the change that Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has already made to his game.

"Man, Chip Kelly, he comes up to me first day of rookie minicamp," Jeanty said. "You gotta be down in your running back stance. ... He won for now, Imma try to persuade him one day. I gotta earn my stripes and make some plays first, but I don't think it's gonna be the end (of the stance)."

The Raiders have an opportunity to completely turn around their franchise this offseason, and that starts with the running game. It sounds like they are taking advantage of every opportunity to make sure that their star running back is ready for Week 1.

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

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