May 16, 2025

Ashton Jeanty's entrance into the Las Vegas backfield should immediately launch the explosive playmaker into a massive workload. Jeanty's excellent blend of vision, acceleration, and contact balance ignites his exceptional big-play ability, which should supply the perfect tonic for a rushing attack that ranked dead last in yards per game (79.8), yards per attempt (3.6), and rushing first downs per game (4.6), during 2024. Jeanty became the first running back to be selected with a top 10 pick since 2018, and his significant draft capital was earned after he stockpiled 594 attempts (22.8 per game), 3,948 rushing yards (151.8 per game), and 43 rushing touchdowns in 2023-2024. Jeanty also accumulated 374 carries (26.7 per game) and erupted for the second-highest yardage total in FBS single-season history (2,601 yards/185.8 per game) during 2024. He also led all backs in carries of 15+ yards (36), missed tackles forced (152), and yards after contact (1,970), according to PFF. Jeanty's extensive role in the Raiders' reconstructed offense will be also beneficial to fantasy managers who capitalize on their opportunity to seize him for their rosters. He should flourish in a restructured attack that will be designed by Chip Kelly, while remaining consistent with Pete Carroll's run-first philosophy. That should incentivize you to target him late in Round 1 in all best ball and dynasty startup drafts.--Phil Clark - RotoBaller