Raiders' comments shift expectations for RB Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has liked what he's seen from his 2025 first-round pick, running back Ashton Jeanty, so far at the team's mandatory minicamp.

When speaking to reporters on Thursday, Carroll, hired this offseason, offered his thoughts on the hyped back, whom the Raiders selected at No. 6 overall.

His comments suggest Jeanty is checking all the boxes early for a potentially heavy workload as a rookie.

Per ESPN Raiders reporter Ryan McFadden, Carroll praised his ability as a receiver and work ethic.

"We made a big deal of him — 'Everybody's watching you' — and he embraced the thought of it," Carroll said. "And so, it's going to be exciting to see what happens."

Last season as a junior at Boise State, Jeanty had 2,601 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns while leading the program to the College Football Playoff.

He took a backseat in the passing game, but was a factor in 2023, ending the year with 43 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns.

Jeanty's dual-threat capabilities could mean more snaps, allowing him to remain on the field on passing downs. It would also keep the offense from becoming predictable and defenses from knowing which plays are coming based on Raiders personnel.

Per McFadden, Raiders first-year offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was just as enthused as Carroll about Jeanty's offseason start, describing him as "coachable," and is already thinking about the ways he can use the versatile playmaker. 

"I think he can play in the slot [and] in the backfield," Kelly said.

Based on early indications, the Raiders don't appear to have plans to take things slowly with Jeanty. In fact, he could have an even larger role than expected.