When the Las Vegas Raiders selected running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick of the NFL Draft back in April, most felt that they were getting a generational talent.
After all, Jeanty had just led the country with 2,601 rushing yards at Boise State in 2024, falling just shy of Barry Sanders’ single-season record. He also punched in 29 touchdowns on the ground averaging an unreal seven yards per carry.
More news: Browns Make Major Contract Decision on Pro Bowl Defender
However, Jeanty did not really look the part in his NFL debut against the New England Patriots on Sunday, toting the ball 19 times for 38 yards and a score.
It was just one game, but former quarterback and current NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms is already concerned about the rookie playmaker.
“I don’t like the way Ashton Jeanty looks,” Simms said. “I do not. He has not impressed me once yet. There’s a lack of explosion that I think is lacking for a guy that was drafted in the top 10. I’m hoping I’m wrong because I loved watching him in college football, but I’ve not been thoroughly impressed at this point at all.”
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 7: Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field following the NFL game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 7, 2025 in Foxborough,…
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 7: Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field following the NFL game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 7, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
More
Getty Images
Jeanty didn’t exactly look all that great in the preseason, either, amassing 37 yards and a score on 12 rushing attempts.
Of course, there is still plenty of time for Jeanty to develop, so we need to give him a chance. That being said, the 21-year-old looked more NFL-ready than just about any other prospect in this year’s draft class, so it’s definitely surprising that he has been so ineffective thus far.
More news: Vikings QB JJ McCarthy Already in Hall of Fame Company
The Raiders’ rushing attack was absolutely horrendous last season. Their top ball-carrier was Alexander Mattison, who mustered just 420 yards on the ground. In fact, Las Vegas’ most intriguing halfback in 2024 was probably Sincere McCormick, who is no longer even on the roster.
The Raiders still managed to beat the Patriots in Week 1, but it would certainly be nice to see Jeanty get going. We’ll see if he puts forth a better performance against the Los Angeles Chargers next Monday.
For more on the Raiders and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.