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Las Vegas Raiders Rookie Already Taking Leadership Role

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated May 12, 2025 12:13 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders may have found the spark their offense desperately needs in rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. Fresh off a standout season at Boise State, Jeanty is already making an impression at rookie minicamp—both on the field and in the locker room.

“It’s a new brotherhood. We’re all welcoming each other, getting to know each other,” Jeanty told Levi Edwards of the Raiders’ team website. “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.”

Las Vegas Raiders Ashton Jeanty Building Connections

That kind of chemistry will be essential as the Raiders look to rebound from a disappointing 4-13 season. Las Vegas finished dead last in rushing offense in 2023, but Jeanty—who racked up 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last year—has the skill set to shift that narrative. Head coach Pete Carroll already sees shades of a former star in his new back.

“[Jeanty’s] ability to make plays when it doesn’t look like there’s [anything] is there—Marshawn [Lynch] did that throughout his career,” Carroll said via ESPN’s Ryan McFadden. “There’s a special makeup in Ashton.”

Jeanty, the Raiders’ No. 6 overall pick, won’t carry the same load as he did in college, but paired with veteran QB Geno Smith and a retooled offense, he could be a game-changer. If he comes close to matching the production of Lynch, the Raiders may have struck gold.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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