The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 6 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the buzz around their pick is only growing louder. With a new-look front office led by General Manager Tom Spytek and the not-so-silent influence of part-owner Tom Brady, Vegas has plenty of intriguing options on the board.
There’s chatter about bringing in a young quarterback-most notably Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders-to learn under veteran Geno Smith. Some believe Vegas could opt to strengthen the receiving corps next to dynamic tight end Brock Bowers.
Offensive line upgrades remain another sensible route. But increasingly, the most prominent name linked to the Silver and Black is none other than Boise State’s electrifying junior running back Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty wasn’t just good in 2024-he was historic. Finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, he compiled a staggering 2,739 yards from scrimmage and scored 30 touchdowns.
His signature poised stance in the backfield turned into a viral meme, while his explosive, bruising running style earned comparisons to some of the greats.
Could Jeanty break the mold as a top-6 running back pick?
In today’s NFL, drafting a running back in the top 10 is virtually unheard of. The position’s shortened shelf life and reliance on system fit have made front offices cautious. Yet if there’s a coach who could make the case-and the leap-it’s Pete Carroll.
Carroll, now calling the shots on the sideline in Vegas, has long favored physical, run-heavy football. His history in Seattle includes drafting offensive playmakers and linemen early and often, most famously building the foundation of a championship team with Marshawn Lynch as its engine.
“During Carroll‘s 14-year tenure in Seattle, the franchise took six offensive players in the first round, including four linemen and a running back,” ESPN’s Ryan McFadden pointed out.
Jeanty fits the mold of a Carroll-style runner. He doesn’t just bounce outside for flashy gains; he churns out tough yards between the tackles, punishes defenders, and thrives in the open field.
For a Raiders team that’s lacked a true bell-cow since Josh Jacobs‘ peak, Jeanty could be the centerpiece of a new offensive identity.
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