Raiders appear to be leaning toward drafting RB Ashton Jeanty
As the first round of the 2025 NFL draft sits just days away, the Las Vegas Raiders have become interwoven in chatter around possible interest for Boise State standout running back Ashton Jeanty.
New general manager John Spytek only further amped that conversation by stating that he believes in taking a running back high in the draft.
“I mean we just saw Saquon Barkley just change the Eagles in one year,” Spytek said during Friday’s predraft news conference via ESPN. “…There’s certain ways to build a team, and I don’t know where we got to a place where we don’t feel like running backs are valued.”
The Raiders have been consistently circled as the likely landing spot for Jeanty. Las Vegas holds the sixth overall pick, which makes that a strong possibility.
There is every reason to believe the Raiders would seriously consider bringing Jeanty aboard, as head coach Pete Carroll has repeatedly voiced his desire to heavily feature the running game in the offensive game plan.
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Jeanty could be the key piece, as he has proven to be a game-changing talent. He’s coming off posting 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Last season, the Raiders posed no serious threat running the ball, ranking last with 79.8 rushing yards per game.
Although the Raiders hold a strong interest in adding to their running game, the team has also kept its options open at quarterback despite trading for Pro Bowler Geno Smith.
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Las Vegas held a visit with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders while also meeting with Jaxson Dart, Will Howard, and Quinn Ewers.
It may all come down to who is on the board once the Raiders are on the clock on Thursday night.
