The Las Vegas Raiders went against the trend.
Unlike most teams, they chose to take a running back early in the first round.
However, Ashton Jeanty isn’t like most running backs.
He stood out in a class that was absolutely stacked at the position and featured at least five potential day-one starters, and that’s a lot to say.
Jeanty is a special talent, and he’s coming off one of the greatest seasons in college football history.
Notably, a lot of that has to do with all the tape he’s watched to be like some of the greats.
When asked about his inspirations and role models at the position, the Boise State product chose a combination of Marshawn Lynch, Christian McCaffrey, and Derrick Henry (via Raiders 1022):
“Some players that I try to take things from their game—Marshawn Lynch, and his running style, being physical. Christian McCaffrey and the receiving game, running routes. Derrick Henry—I’m not as big, but that stiff arm. Had to add that to my bag as well. It’s hard to compare yourself to guys who are so exceptional, but there’s just so many tools in my bag. It just depends on the scenario,” Jeanty said.
#Raiders Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty on which players he tries to model his game after
Marshawn Lynch – Running style/playing physical
Christian McCaffrey – Route running/catching
Derrick Henry – Stiff Arm
“It’s hard to compare yourself to guys who are so exceptional but 👀” pic.twitter.com/G3wBDBdpwZ
— ShifftttyyyQB1🏴☠️ (@raiders1022) July 16, 2025
Of course, those are some extremely big shoes to fill and expectations to live up to, so it’s nice to see that the rookie is holding himself to the highest of standards.
Some were worried about his team’s lack of elite competition in college, and he didn’t look as explosive in his final Bowl game.
Then again, his tape was just mesmerizing, and while he has a long way to go to come even slightly close to any of the players he mentioned, you can definitely see shades of all of them in his game.
At the end of the day, every player is unique and walks a unique path, but you have to study the greats to be one of the greats.
