Jeanty wants Year 2 to make Raiders statement

Offensive line gives Jeanty a path

The Raiders made their offensive line a major offseason priority, and Jeanty pointed to the group’s movement as a key part of the run game.

He said the zone scheme starts with how the offensive line attacks the line of scrimmage, works in unison and forces defensive linemen to move laterally.

“That makes my job a lot easier,” Jeanty said.

For Jeanty, the details still matter. He said he has to run strong tracks, set up runs properly and keep defenders guessing as the Raiders pair the ground game with play-action.

“You’re running side to side and tiring out that defensive line throughout the game,” Jeanty said. “Then you come back with play-action. It’s going to be something special all year long.”

Malik Benson is catching Jeanty’s eye

Jeanty also pointed to rookie wide receiver Malik Benson as one of the young pass catchers standing out early in camp.

That answer matters because the Raiders need a receiver to emerge alongside Brock Bowers, Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor. If the offense runs through Jeanty and Bowers, someone outside has to threaten defenses enough to create space.

“As far as the young guys, I’d say Malik,” Jeanty said. “He has been out there getting more reps with the ones, and he has come out and done some great things.”

Jeanty mentioned Benson’s work in multiple areas, not just catching the ball.

“I love what I’m seeing from him in all phases,” Jeanty said. “Blocking in the run game and obviously going out there and making plays when the ball is in the air.”

That is important in this offense. Receivers will not earn trust only by winning routes. They have to block, move around and help the run game function.

Jeanty is learning from Raiders’ linebackers

The Raiders’ upgraded linebacker group has also helped Jeanty sharpen his own game.

Jeanty said he has spent time talking with Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean about how they read plays, how they fit against the run and how their movement affects his decisions as a back.

“To be able to learn from them, grow with them and continue to challenge each other makes each other better,” Jeanty said.

That daily work matters because Walker and Dean bring speed, physicality and experience to the middle of the defense. Jeanty said facing that kind of linebacker play forces him to stay locked in.

“They’ve made a lot of plays so far,” Jeanty said. “Knowing where they are on the field and what they’re doing helps.”

Then he made the competition sound mutual.

“There isn’t a better running back that they see, and there aren’t better linebackers that I see,” Jeanty said.

Year 2 has to be different

Jeanty’s message Thursday was direct. The offense fits what he wants to do, the game feels slower and his role is expanding.

Now comes the part that matters.

Jeanty wants to prove he belongs with the NFL’s best backs, and the Raiders’ offense should give him the chances to make that case. This is not about easing into Year 2.

It is about making Year 2 feel like a statement.