Raiders' Pete Carroll admits disappointing truth about Ashton Jeanty

The Las Vegas Raiders had high hopes and expectations when they took Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 pick in this year's draft.

It's getting far less common to see running backs go so high, but after watching him post one of the single greatest seasons in college football history, he looked more than worthy of that honor. So far, however, the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist has looked quite mortal in his first two games in the pros.

Ashton Jeanty hasn't gotten off to a fast start in NFL

He logged 38 yards and one score in his NFL debut, and then logged just 43 yards on 11 carries in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. That's why Raiders head coach Pete Carroll had to admit that they needed to take things slowly with Jeanty. While he acknowledged that they hadn't done much to put Jeanty in a position to succeed, he's still optimistic about the RB.

"We're just getting started (with Jeanty)," Carroll told the Las  Vegas Review-Journal. "He's breaking into the NFL. He's figuring it out.  He'll get more carries. We have to run the ball more effectively. We only got (68 yards), and that's not enough. We need more than that.  We're bringing (Jeanty) along. More will come."

Ashton Jeanty knows he has to do better

Jeanty is averaging 2.7 yards per attempt, which is a far cry from his 6.4 yards per carry in college. At least he knows he has to be better, and he believes it's just a matter of time before he gets used to the speed of the pros.

"Last week it was on me, I didn't do a good job of reading the plays. I'll put it on myself again this week," Jeanty said. "Just getting used to the speed, honestly. Last week kind of felt like I was moving a little slower, this week felt better. Still not there yet, but once it happens, it will be good."

Jeanty has posted the fewest rushing yards (81) among players with at least 30 carries, and his next chance to turn the page will come in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders' beatable run defense.