Three-time Pro Bowler explains what makes Raiders rookie RB Ashton Jeanty a special prospect

Expectations are high for Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty entering the 2025 season.

Vegas selected Jeanty with pick No. 6 in the NFL Draft to improve its rushing attack, which ranked last (79.8 yards per game) in the league last season. Some believe he will do that.

NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew, a former Jacksonville Jaguars RB, offered high praise for the rookie at training camp. 

"Ashton Jeanty is the best prospect I've scouted since I've been scouting," the three-time Pro Bowler said Sunday, per Levi Edwards of the team website. "I've scouted Saquon Barkley and other guys. A lot of it is his skill set but also what he did and where he was. And that translates over. There is similarities in our game, I think he's a much better receiver than I was when I first got into the NFL. ...His vision, his contact balance, his ability to catch, his blocking — he is the full package."

Barkley, of course, is elite. In his first seven seasons with the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, the 2018 No. 2 pick made three Pro Bowls and earned one first-team All-Pro nod.

Last season, he became the ninth RB in league history to rush for 2,000 yards or more in the regular season (2,005 yards in 16 games). Barkley's efforts helped the Eagles win their second Super Bowl.

Jeanty, meanwhile, is coming off a remarkable season at Boise State. He rushed for the second-most yards (2,601 in 14 games) in a season in FBS history, winning the Doak Walker Award as college football's best RB.

Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson indicated the RB's college success could translate to the NFL.  

"All the hype is real, and I'm super excited to block for him," the center said at training camp, via ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "Maybe get some celebrations. He's a great TikTok dancer, so maybe get my hips loosened up a little bit."

Jeanty scoring touchdowns would help the Raiders improve after a 4-13 season. That would also help him win Offensive Rookie of the Year, like Barkley did. As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists him as the OROY favorite (+250).