Ashton Jeanty debut grades: Raiders rookie RB underwhelms in limited action vs. Seahawks
Running back Ashton Jeanty has high expectations placed on his shoulders. The Boise State product is coming off an electric final season in college and is expected to help the Raiders turn their fortunes around even as a rookie.
Jeanty nearly set all-time records at Boise State in 2024. He played in 14 games and ran for 2,601 yards with 29 touchdowns. Jeanty was on the heels of Barry Sanders' record of 2,628 yards in a season but fell just 27 yards short. His 29 touchdowns were eight shy of Sanders' record of 37.
Even though the Raiders are just starting the preseason, there is pressure for Jeanty to show that he was worth the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft off rip. Las Vegas traded for quarterback Geno Smith this offseason and hired former Seattle head coach Pete Carroll to try to right the ship. While there are still plenty of upgrades on both sides of the ball that the Raiders need to explore, the hope is that the offense runs through Jeanty all season, and that starts on Thursday night in the preseason opener against Seattle.
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Here's a look at how Jeanty fared in his first taste of NFL game action.
Grading Ashton Jeanty's rookie debut
Grade: C
Unfortunately, there wasn't a ton to grade. Jeanty was on the field for two drives, but the Raiders weren't able to move the ball on either. Jeanty had only three carries and amassed -1 yard from his workload. The offensive line could not provide any protection for him, and after an initial gain of three yards, he was dropped in the backfield.
He picked up a few blocks on routine passing plays, but ultimately, he did nothing notable in the passing game either.
As mundane as this performance was, Jeanty should be fine in the long run. The rookie will almost assuredly lead the team in touches and will get ample opportunity to show what he can do throughout the rest of the preseason and regular season. This first preseason game, though? He will have to have the mind of a goldfish and instantly turn his attention to the team's game next week.
The lone reason that he didn't get a "D" or an "F" for his debut was that he had a sweet, spur-of-the-moment spin move to avoid a tackle before the offensive line collapsed and allowed him to get taken down in the backfield.
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Ashton Jeanty debut stats
Carries: 3
Yards: -1
Touchdowns: 0
Targets: 0
Receptions: 0
The first play of the game was a fake to Jeanty. The rookie's first carry went for three yards. That was the only action he received on his first drive. Seattle took out Geno Smith for the second drive but left Jeanty in. The rookie got a carry on second down. He hit a nice spin move but was tackled in the backfield as the offensive line didn't provide much support.
After a first down, Jeanty got a carry and picked up a few yards. There was a penalty for offensive offside, but it was declined to bring up second down. Jeanty was then subbed out, and the Raiders couldn't convert a first down on the next two plays and had to punt.
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Ashton Jeanty debut highlights
The clip below shows Jeanty's first carry. It is the second play of the clip, and the only play he had in his preseason debut that went for positive yards.
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