Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Ashton Jeanty Receives 4-Word Message From Raiders OL Jackson Powers-Johnson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 3:28 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders have long struggled to find established success in an unforgiving NFL landscape. Poor draft selections have certainly plagued the franchise, but things have taken a turn on that front in recent years.

During the 2024 NFL Draft, then-general manager Tom Telesco selected three starters in the first two days of the event. This included All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and All-Rookie offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson.

This year, general manager John Spytek opted for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick. He is expected to transform the Raiders' league-worst rushing attack from 2024.

The Raiders are in the thick of Phase 3 of the offseason program under new head coach Pete Carroll.

On Wednesday, Powers-Johnson posted a picture on his Instagram story of he and Jeanty with their arms around each other at OTAs. Attached was a quick message from the second-year center to the rookie running back.

"Run the damn ball," Powers-Johnson wrote.

Jeanty ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns at Boise State during his final collegiate season and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting. Powers-Johnson split time at center and guard during his rookie year but is expected to be the full-time starter at center with Geno Smith.

Thursday will mark the last OTA practice for the Raiders, then they will have mandatory minicamp from May 10 to 12. After that, the team will break for the summer and return to the team facility for training camp sometime in July.

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

More must-reads: