Multiple analysts praise Raiders for making 'favorite pick' of 2025 NFL Draft

Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, some argued that the Las Vegas Raiders should pass on taking Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick and should instead strengthen a premium position with that asset. 

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek disagreed with such takes, as they happily grabbed Jeanty on April 24.

For an article published on Monday, multiple ESPN analysts called the Raiders getting Jeanty their "favorite pick" made during the entire draft. 

"I love when draft picks have an immediate impact, and Jeanty can do exactly that," fantasy football analyst Stephania Bell said. "The Raiders were last in the league in rushing yards in 2024 (1,357), while Jeanty led the FBS (2,601). His talent as both a pass catcher and runner offers versatility for new coach Pete Carroll, who is looking to make the Raiders' offense more dynamic."

The Raiders acquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks and then signed him to a two-year extension this offseason. It makes sense that Carroll and Spytek would want to give Smith a dynamic offensive weapon like Jeanty, as ESPN stats show the Raiders ended the 2024 season ranked 27th in the NFL in total offense (303.2 yards per game) and 29th in scoring offense (18.2 points per contest). 

According to Pro Football Reference, Smith took the league's third-most sacks (50) while with Seattle this past season. That's just one reason some think the Raiders should have taken Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou instead of Jeanty at selection No. 6. The New York Jets made Membou the draft's seventh pick. 

Former NFL general manager and current ESPN personality Mike Tannenbaum is among those who believe the Raiders were wise to take Jeanty instead of Membou. 

"This is a tone-setting pick for Carroll and GM John Spytek," Tannenbaum added. "Jeanty gives the Raiders a much-needed explosive playmaker, and he's an ideal fit in new coordinator Chip Kelly's offense."

Before the draft got underway, NFL Media's Lance Zierlein listed Jeanty as the highest-graded overall prospect in this year's class. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Jeanty as the top betting favorite at +230 odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award for the 2025 season. Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, the draft's first pick, was second on the DraftKings Sportsbook list at +330 odds.