### Ashton Jeanty: The New Face of the Raiders' Rushing Attack Ashton Jeanty, a standout running back from Boise State, was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision marks a significant move for the Raiders, who struggled with the NFL's worst rushing offense last season. Jeanty's selection not only addresses a critical need for the team but also brings a player who was a Heisman Trophy runner-up and led the FBS in rushing yards and touchdowns during his junior year. His arrival in Las Vegas is expected to have a substantial impact on the team's performance moving forward [https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-raiders-23bb302752cd66b05aa70794c422d74f]. ### Breakdown of Jeanty's Impact and the Raiders' Strategy 1. **Draft Selection and Expectations** - Jeanty was the first pick made by new general manager John Spytek, who was under pressure to improve the team's rushing game [https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/las-vegas-ashton-jeanty-saquon-barkley-bijan-robinson]. - His selection was highly anticipated, with many analysts predicting the Raiders would choose him due to his impressive college performance [https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/las-vegas-draft-ashton-jeanty-boise-state-broncos-hondo-carpenter]. 2. **Contract and Financial Implications** - Jeanty signed a lucrative contract worth approximately $35 million, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/news/ashton-jeanty-35-million-contract-update-reveals-stunning-fact-about-rookies-deal/3a4ef1a536e5219a95b6a681]. - This financial commitment reflects the Raiders' confidence in his ability to transform their offense [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/news/ashton-jeanty-gets-31-million-contract-update-after-being-drafted-raiders/4d2e39a84c7adf4a9c2ca2a8]. 3. **Market and Fan Engagement** - Following the draft, Jeanty's jersey sales surged, indicating strong fan support and excitement about his potential impact on the team [https://www.si.com/college/boise-state/football/ashton-jeanty-among-rookie-jersey-sales-leaders-following-2025-nfl-draft-01jt3pkb1mwv]. - His popularity is further evidenced by social media reactions, showcasing a positive reception from both fans and analysts [https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/social-media-las-vegas-draft-ashton-jeanty-hondo-carpenter]. ### Evidence of Jeanty's Potential and Team Fit - **Performance Metrics**: In his final college season, Jeanty recorded **2,601 rushing yards** and **30 touchdowns**, leading the FBS in both categories [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6264910/2025/04/24/ashton-jeanty-raiders-nfl-draft]. - **Expert Opinions**: Analysts have praised the Raiders' decision to draft Jeanty, calling it a "masterpiece" that addresses both team needs and player potential [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/news/raiders-nfl-draft-grades-las-vegas-high-marks-masterpiece-2025-class/3ab74f8ac0dddbd07b581037]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Future for Jeanty and the Raiders In summary, **Ashton Jeanty's selection by the Las Vegas Raiders represents a pivotal moment for the franchise**. His impressive college statistics and the team's urgent need for a dynamic running back create a promising outlook for the upcoming season. The Raiders' investment in Jeanty, both financially and strategically, signals their commitment to revitalizing their offense and improving their overall performance in the league. 1. Jeanty was drafted to address the Raiders' poor rushing attack. 2. His contract reflects high expectations for his performance. 3. Fan engagement and jersey sales indicate strong support for his arrival. The Raiders are banking on Jeanty to be a game-changer, and early signs suggest that both the team and its fans are optimistic about what lies ahead [https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/las-vegas-ashton-jeanty-draft-grade-scouting].