Raiders Reportedly Using Ashton Jeanty in Unique Role at OTAs
Raiders Reportedly Using Ashton Jeanty in Unique Role at OTAs originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Las Vegas Raiders had the worst rushing attack in the league during the 2024 NFL season. Led by Zamir White and Alexander Mattison, the Silver and Black mustered a league-low 79.8 yards per game on the ground.
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After winning just four games last season, in large part due to the team's lack of ground success, owner Mark Davis cleaned house this offseason. Davis hired Pete Carroll and John Spytek to be the team's next head coach and general manager.
Their first draft selection was Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who comes to Las Vegas after a 2,601-yard, 29-touchdown campaign at Boise State. He and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be tasked with reviving the Raiders' rushing attack in 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty (2).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Many expect Jeanty to be the workhorse back for the Raiders immediately as a rookie. While that is certainly shaping up to be the case, Raiders.com reporter Levi Edwards added that Jeanty has been utilized in a unique role during the team's OTAs.
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"It seems Kelly is placing Jeanty all over the field, giving him more opportunities to get the ball in open space in last week's practices," Edwards wrote. "This included screen passes and getting the ball to the running back out in the flat."
Las Vegas added veteran Raheem Mostert during free agency, who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the 2023 season. But it seems that the new brass is investing heavily in their No. 6 overall pick instead of using a committee approach.
Jeanty was a slot receiver for a season in high school, and he showed off his pass-catching prowess during his second season at Boise State. During that year, he caught 43 passes for 569 yards and five touchdowns.
Any way that Kelly and the Las Vegas staff can get the ball into Jeanty's hands is sure to help the Raiders' offense. With a solid passing attack led by Geno Smith, Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, Jeanty's running ability should keep defenses honest.
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However, if he is going to be used a pass-catching threat as well, then this could cause headaches for opposing defensive coordinators. It has been a long time since Las Vegas has had a high-end dual-threat running back, but it already appears that they have one in Ashton Jeanty.
Related: Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Reveals Why He Joined Raiders
Related: Maxx Crosby Had 6 Words For Tyrese Haliburton's Game-Winner
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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