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Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty poised for explosive rookie season, analyst predicts

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated May 23, 2025 5:27 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders selected running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft, expecting him to immediately anchor their backfield. Coming off an impressive college run at Boise State, Jeanty enters the league with high hopes riding on his shoulders. The question now is whether he can translate that dominance to the NFL stage and make an instant impact as a rookie.

ESPN’s Mike Clay released his latest projections on Thursday, and the numbers paint an encouraging picture for Ashton Jeanty. According to Clay, the rookie running back is expected to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards during the 2025 season. If that holds true, Jeanty would quickly establish himself as a vital piece of the Raiders’ offensive game plan.

“No. 6 pick Jeanty, who will immediately slide in as Las Vegas’ feature back. The past four backs selected in the top seven picks (Saquon Barkley, Trent Richardson, Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette) all produced at least 260 carries, 950 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns as rookies. All four players did it in fewer than 17 games, too,” Clay wrote.

Ashton Jeanty set for an amazing season with the Raiders

Clay forecasts that Jeanty will rack up 1,120 rushing yards and score seven touchdowns on the ground during the 2025 season.

“Reaching 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie isn’t easy, but eight first-round RBs have had 225-plus carries in their first season since 2011 — Jeanty should eclipse that number even if he misses a few games. Those eight backs all reached 950 rushing yards, averaging 1,230 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns,” he continued.

The NFL has shifted dramatically over the years, especially in how teams utilize their backfields. Many franchises now lean on a number of running backs to split the responsibilities and manage wear and tear. Still, Mike Clay believes Ashton Jeanty has the talent and durability to stand out as a lead back and put up strong numbers in his first season.

Raiders fans would be ecstatic if Ashton Jeanty cracks the 1,000-yard mark in his rookie year. However, his transition to Las Vegas hasn’t been entirely smooth. To wear his signature No. 2 jersey, Jeanty had to negotiate and ultimately pay kicker Daniel Carlson, who previously held the number.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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