The buzz around the 2025 NFL Draft featured one name that consistently sparked excitement: Ashton Jeanty.
The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t hesitate when their turn came at No. 6 overall, selecting the explosive running back to bolster an offense now under new leadership.
At his Raiders introduction, Jeanty delivered a memorable description of his playing style.
“I’ve got so many different ways to describe how I run, but I think my favorite that somebody said was that I was a rolling ball of knives,” Jeanty said, via Vegas Sports Today.
“I’ve got so many different ways to describe how I run, but I think my favorite that somebody said was that I was a rolling ball of knives.”
Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty shares his favorite description of his running style when asked by @AdamHillLVRJ about Jackson Powers Johnson’s… pic.twitter.com/arFMCcvhhd
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) April 25, 2025
That colorful description captures what makes Jeanty special.
Unlike runners who need perfect blocking to succeed, he creates opportunities through raw athletic ability and instinct.
His burst forces defenders to respect the outside threat, naturally creating cutback lanes that he exploits with precision timing.
While his speed jumps off the tape, his vision between the tackles might be even more impressive.
Combining balance, quick decision-making and natural shiftiness, Jeanty transforms ordinary plays into highlight-reel moments.
The Boise State star fell just short of college football history during his final season.
His 2024 campaign saw him pile up 2,601 rushing yards, second to Barry Sanders’ record and cementing his status as an elite prospect.
Jeanty joins an offense already featuring significant talent.
Tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers each crossed the 1,000-yard receiving threshold last season.
Meanwhile, newly acquired quarterback Geno Smith arrives following a tenure when he set Seattle Seahawks records for passing yards and completion percentage.
