Ashton Jeanty: ‘New brotherhood’ forming at Raiders rookie minicamp

The Las Vegas Raiders took the field Friday to start this weekend’s rookie minicamp, as the coaching staff got their first look at the newest additions to their organization.

Between their 11 draft picks, as well as 15 undrafted free agents and players on a tryout basis, the Raiders have focused on building connections with the players and getting them ready for the work that awaits them. The rookie class is using the weekend to build chemistry and get a taste of what training camp is like before they join up with the rest of the team on May 19 for the start of OTAs. While some rookies are competing against one another for opportunities and roster spots, they are still taking the time to develop their games and learn how to work with their new teammates.

The most hyped prospect out of the bunch was far and away sixth overall pick Ashton Jeanty, and the running back was not afraid to give his opinion on what was happening at rookie minicamp.

Jeanty spoke about the camaraderie he was already developing with his new teammates and fellow rookies.

“It’s a new brotherhood. We’re all welcoming each other, getting to know each other,” Jeanty said Friday, per Raiders team reporter Levi Edwards. “Pete Carroll was saying it yesterday, we’ve all got to be connected and build relationships, and that’s going to make us a better team and teammates.”

While the Raiders have many new faces coming into the organization, none are as vital to the long-term success of the team as Jeanty is.

The highest running back selected by the Raiders since Darren McFadden was drafted fourth overall in 2008, Jeanty is the answer to the team’s desperate need to fix their running game. The Raiders finished dead last in the NFL in rushing last season, tallying 1,329 rushing yards total; for context, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles got 2,005 rushing yards on his own. Carroll’s teams have often revolved around a strong running game, and the hope is that Jeanty can provide that element for the Raiders this season and beyond.

Jeanty is undoubtedly the star of the show at rookie minicamp, but it is good to see that the rookies are already starting to establish teamwork so early on.