With the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the speculation as to who teams could draft grows as well. With the Las Vegas Raiders trying for, and then extending, Geno Smith, it took them out of the conversation to draft a quarterback with their first-round pick.
This has led to now the primary assumption being circled around Ashton Jeanty being the pick for the Raiders in the first round. While Jeanty is a great talent, Las Vegas must avoid drafting him.
Las Vegas Raiders Must Avoid Ashton Jeanty
Ashton Jeanty saw his name quickly skyrocket toward the top after putting together a Heisman-caliber season at Boise State this last season. With his rise, he has become a first-round talent. This, paired with the Raiders having no clear answer at running back has led to him being the popular pick. Instead, he is the pick they must avoid making.
Ashton Jeanty’s Rise to Being the Pick for the Raiders
With the type of season Jeanty had, it’s become clear why the Raiders could consider him early in the draft. Jeanty finished his college career with rushing for 2,595 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. His physical rushing style makes him difficult to bring down and he has some receiving ability, totaling 877 yards and six touchdowns there for Boise State.
Jeanty is a workhorse type running back that for a Raiders team in the midst of rebuilding would be what they need to help their offense.
Why the Raiders Shouldn’t Draft Ashton Jeanty
While Jeanty appears to be the pick the Raiders should go with, especially with Raheem Mostert projected to be their starting running back, they should not take him.
Jeanty could help take pressure off Geno Smith as having a stable ground game is crucial with Smith under center, but Jeanty’s longevity is not there. With already having 748 rushing attempts at the college level, the wear and tear is already there. This running back class is deep, and they can find their starting running back later in the draft.
Instead with their first-round pick, they should be looking to either draft a wide receiver, as Brock Bowers can’t be the top receiver on the team again as a tight end, or a cornerback to turn the secondary around that allowed 3,676 yards and 29 touchdowns last season.
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