Why it is pivotal for the Raiders to get a big season from rookie RB Ashton Jeanty

The running attack by the Las Vegas Raiders was poor at best during the 2024 NFL season, producing a league-worst 79.8 yards per game.

It was no secret what the Raiders needed to do to upgrade at the position and give themselves a jolt going into the 2025 NFL season. General manager John Spytek did not overthink his choice by going with Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Just like that, the Raiders finally have an explosive threat in the backfield, and will be hoping for big things from him.  

Jeanty understands that.

"I say it like a car: you got the engine. You want to run the ball, I'm going to try my best to make this offense run," Jeanty told reporters Thursday.

"We got great receivers, tight ends and quarterbacks, and it'll start with the run game."

Jeanty got a taste of what it is like to run a pro spread system when he had former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter as his OC at Boise State last season. The Heisman Trophy runner-up finished with 2,601 rushing yards - the second most in a single season in FBS history behind Barry Sanders, who had 2,628 yards.

Could he repeat those numbers? Probably not, but ESPN's Mike Clay is projecting Jeanty to finish with 1,287 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. Such output would likely put him in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

If the Raiders can get that from Jeanty, it's a big improvement from last season.

It is pivotal that Jeanty has a big season if the Raiders want to surprise the NFL after finishing the 2024 NFL season 4-13 and backing up head coach Pete Carroll's "we're going to win a bunch." Already, Jeanty understands what he needs to do, and the Raiders' run game must improve this season if the Raiders want to be one of the top offenses under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

Carroll had success with five-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch as his featured back during his time with the Seahawks. He his hoping for similar results from Jeanty.