Ashton Jeanty is a highly touted running back who was selected sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
His production was prolific at Boise State. The Raiders needed a bellcow back and selected Jeanty to be just that.
In his first-ever NFL action, Jeanty suited up for the Raiders in their first preseason game versus the Seattle Seahawks.
It was a struggle for Jeanty, to say the least. He had three rush attempts and accumulated -1 rushing yards. His first carry on the opening drive went for three rushing yards. He stayed in for the start of the second drive, despite starting QB Geno Smith giving way to backup Aidan O’Connell under center. Poor blocking contributed to Jeanty being stuffed on his next two carries for a combined minus-4 yards.
Ashton Jeanty Rough In First Preseason Contest: Cause For Concern?
Jeanty is a talented back, but it could be a bumpy rookie campaign for him behind a poor Raiders offensive line.
He was not targeted in the passing game on the first two drives, despite the expectation that he was going to be a true three-down back.
This is not a very good Raiders team. They had the sixth overall pick for a reason as a result of finishing with a 4-13 last season.
The offensive line is ranked 18th best by Pro Football Focus entering the season. Kolton Miller and Dylan Parham were good in pass-blocking. The offensive line has the potential to be better than 18th. Improving in run-blocking will be necessary for the Raiders’ offensive line for Jeanty to have a successful rookie campaign.
Pete Carroll is the new head coach, and he prefers to run the ball. Jeanty will have numerous opportunities to be successful this season. He should see 70%+ of the snaps and be heavily involved in the passing game as well.
It is the first preseason game, so it is not cause for concern.
Realistic Stats For Jeanty’s Rookie Campaign
It is not realistic to think Jeanty is going to have a Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley type of season in his rookie year. Jeanty may have a similar rookie campaign that Josh Jacobs had in his rookie season with the Raiders. Pete Carroll will give Jeanty more carries than the Raiders gave Jacobs in his rookie year (242).
Jeanty may see 275 carries or more in his rookie campaign, as he will be the featured back. With an approximate 275 carries, Jeanty will have around 1,100 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs.
He will also be featured in the passing game. Geno Smith is a capable QB and will play well with Carroll. Outside of Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, there is no other real option in the passing game. This should give Jeanty about 2-3 catches per game. We will give him 40 catches on the year for 350 receiving yards and two receiving TDs.
Ashton Jeanty 2025 predicted statline: 275 carries, 1,100 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs, 40 receptions, 350 receiving yards, and two receiving TDs.
