The last time a player from the Raiders franchise claimed the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award was back in 1982. Since then, not a single Raider has managed to capture the prestigious rookie honor.
But now, in 2025, the streak might be nearing its end thanks to sixth overall pick Ashton Jeanty.
The former Boise State standout enters the NFL with a resume that demands attention.
As a Heisman finalist, Jeanty led the Broncos to the Mountain West Conference championship and carried them into the College Football Playoff with a blend of speed, physicality, and vision that scouts raved about throughout the draft process.
The Raiders pounced on him with the No. 6 overall selection, a move that immediately sparked speculation that he’d be handed the keys to Pete Carroll‘s ground-heavy offense.
Still, most of the early buzz around this year’s rookie class has gone to fellow Heisman winner Travis Hunter, the two-way star from Colorado.
Hunter‘s ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes him a rare breed, and he’s understandably garnered headlines and early award predictions. But when Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer was asked to name a dark horse favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, he didn’t hesitate.
“I think these things often boil down to opportunity-how much is a player getting, how early is he getting it and will what he did in college translate over when those chances are given,” Breer said.
“That’s why I’d go with Ashton Jeanty. Young running backs typically contribute fast.”
History proves top-10 RBs deliver early and often
Breer made his case with hard numbers, pointing to a decade’s worth of elite rookie running backs who were taken in the top 10 picks and delivered immediately.
Bijan Robinson, Saquon Barkley, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, and Todd Gurley all produced monster rookie seasons, averaging a combined 1,543 scrimmage yards each in their debut years.
“Those were the six running backs that went in the top 10 over the 10 drafts before this one,” Breer explained. “The bottom line is if you invest that high of a pick in that position, you’re going to expect, and should expect, a pretty healthy return right away. Math on the aforementioned half-dozen emphatically affirms it.”
Jeanty is expected to get that opportunity in Las Vegas from day one. Pete Carroll, known for pounding the rock during his time with USC and the Seattle Seahawks, has already signaled that the Raiders will lean on the run. With a veteran offensive line returning and Jeanty‘s natural downhill running style, the fit seems seamless.
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