Raiders Eye Running Back Ashton Jeanty for NFL Draft 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing for a pivotal moment in the 2025 NFL Draft, as they hold the sixth overall pick. With their recent acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith earlier this offseason, attention has turned to bolstering their offense, specifically through a significant addition at running back.
Raiders’ Future Focused on Offense
Ashton Jeanty, a standout running back from Boise State, has emerged as the favorite to be selected by the Raiders at the sixth spot, with sportsbooks indicating a strong likelihood at -125 odds. Jeanty recently expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of joining the Raiders, calling them a "great organization" and acknowledging their need for a reliable running back. “It’s been great meeting with them, meeting with their running backs coach," he noted, highlighting his favorable impression of the team’s commitment to bolstering their roster.
The Need for a Strong Backfield
The urgency for the Raiders to invest in a new running back is underscored by their previous struggles. In the 2024 season, the team ranked last in the league in rushing yards, accumulating only 1,357 throughout the season. The current starter, Raheem Mostert, will be approaching his 33rd birthday at the beginning of the 2025 season, prompting the need for a younger, dynamic player like Jeanty. The Raiders had their general manager John Spytek and running backs coach Delan McCullough present at Jeanty’s pro day, signifying their serious interest in the prospect.
Ashton Jeanty’s Standing in the Draft
Jeanty holds the title of CBS Sports’ top-ranked running back in the 2025 draft class and is also regarded as the 11th overall prospect. Apart from the Raiders, other teams eyeing Jeanty include the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers, who hold odds of +190, +750, and +1400 respectively to draft him. Jeanty’s strong performances and potential have drawn considerable attention, making him a highly sought-after player as teams look to rebuild and enhance their offensive capabilities.
Market Reaction and Draft Implications
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Raiders’ positioning as favorites to draft Jeanty carries significant implications for their future success. Bringing a talented running back into the fold could help rejuvenate a beleaguered ground game and provide additional support to their newly acquired quarterback. Jeanty’s agility, vision, and explosiveness could offer the Raiders a much-needed edge, impacting their offensive strategies moving forward.
Final Thoughts on the Raiders’ Strategy
With significant pressure to turn around their fortunes after a disappointing season, the Raiders’ potential selection of Ashton Jeanty could be a decisive step in redefining their roster. By bolstering the backfield ahead of the upcoming season, they may be well on their way towards increasing competitiveness in an ever-challenging NFL landscape. Whether they stick to this plan or pivot as the draft approaches is something football fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The outcome of this decision could shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
