The Las Vegas Raiders turned their disappointing 2024 season into an opportunity by landing Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with their first-round selection.
The franchise desperately needed an offensive spark, and their poor record put them in a position to address that need with one of college football’s most explosive talents.
Jeanty arrived in Las Vegas carrying enormous expectations.
Training camp has only amplified the buzz surrounding the rookie, with reports consistently highlighting his immediate impact.
According to Jordan Schultz, Jeanty has lived up to the pre-draft hype from day one.
“This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but I’ve consistently heard Ashton Jeanty has been turning heads in a major way since the moment he stepped on the field in Vegas. The pre-draft buzz around his elite contact balance, explosiveness and natural feel as a runner wasn’t just hype,” Schultz noted.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but I’ve consistently heard Ashton Jeanty has been turning heads in a major way since the moment he stepped on the field in Vegas. The pre-draft buzz around his elite contact balance, explosiveness and natural feel as a runner wasn’t just hype.… pic.twitter.com/Jz3H2bx3TY
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 6, 2025
Few college running backs enter the NFL with this level of anticipation.
The Raiders aren’t just looking for immediate production from their prized rookie.
They view Jeanty as a cornerstone piece capable of transforming their offense and helping return the franchise to playoff relevance.
Las Vegas will get its first look at Jeanty in game action when they face the Seattle Seahawks to open the preseason.
The Raiders plan to start their first-team offense, giving fans an early glimpse of their new weapon.
The matchup carries additional intrigue beyond Jeanty’s debut.
Former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith will begin their Raiders careers in Seattle, where their previous NFL paths crossed.
Both will return to a familiar setting as they attempt to rebuild Las Vegas into a contender.
The preseason opener represents more than just exhibition football for the Raiders.
It marks the beginning of what they hope becomes a franchise-altering chapter.
NEXT: Former NFL RB Reveals ‘Realistic Expectation’ For Ashton Jeanty