THE top NFL Draft running back could be set to become the top in the league sooner rather than later.
Ashton Jeanty was selected with the No. 6 overall pick, and is set to make an instant impact with the Las Vegas Raiders.
2
Ashton Jeanty is being tipped to become a top running back in the NFLCredit: AP
2
Jeanty rushed for an almost record-breaking 2,601 yards last seasonCredit: Getty
Jeanty was by far the best running back in college football last season.
He carried the ball 374 times, racking up 2,601 rushing yards with 29 touchdowns.
Jeanty also scored one receiving touchdown in 2024.
He finished second in Heisman voting, only behind generational talent Travis Hunter.
Still, Jeanty’s second-place finish in the Heisman wasn’t a knock against him.
If Hunter wasn’t playing, he would’ve won the award with ease.
In fact, Jeanty might even find himself as a more productive player to start his NFL career than Hunter.
NFL sources already see Jeanty as a top-5 running back in the league.
Jeanty is also getting paid like a top running back, with his four-year, $35 million rookie contract being the sixth-biggest among all running backs.
On executive thinks he could lead the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns in his rookie season.
‘Not a lock’ – Fears Shedeur Sanders may be abruptly CUT by Cleveland Browns after first week of NFL practices
“He’s that good. Don’t forget they also have the league’s TE1 [Brock Bowers],” a source said, via NFL Rookie Watch.
“It’s the best RB-TE duo we’ve seen in years.”
New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has rostered a running back like Jeanty in the past.
Back when he was the Seattle Seahawks head coach, Carroll had legendary back Marshawn Lynch on his team.
It is expected that he will utilize Jeanty in a similar way.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 – Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
NFL fans agree that Jeanty will be a star in the league, and shared their thoughts on social media.
“He is legit! I watched him against Penn State in the playoffs and he is the real deal,” one fan said.
“Raiders are dangerous sleepers,” another fan said.
“Should have gone #1 in the draft,” a third fan said.
“I believe he’ll be legit as hell,” a fourth fan said.