Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeantywas very close to joining another team in the Draft, where he was selected sixth overall. The Nevada franchise went to great lengths to secure this player for next season, as running the ball has been one of his weaknesses, an issue they are looking to address.
After the team’s organized team activities, veteran quarterback Geno Smith noted that Jeant has rarely stood out on the field since being drafted. Smith believes the Raiders will find a way for Jeanty to have the ball early and often.
Which team was interested in Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders?
While the Raiders landed the player they had their eye on throughout the draft process, several other teams also wanted to select Jeanty. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that the Denver Broncos were interested in moving up in the draft order to acquire the talented running back, but the cost was too high.
Yes, the Broncos considered moving up in the first round for the running back. But the price would have simply been “too high” for Denver’s liking, according to the source. And the team that had its eye on Jeanty (the Raiders at No. 6 overall) was a division rival, so they weren’t a likely trade partner,” Fowler said.
Ashton Jeanty’s Signing: This Is How the New Las Vegas Raiders Player Reacted
The NFL Draft took place at the end of April 2025, and Jeanty became the sixth overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. The 21-year-old running back had a feeling his destiny lay in the Nevada desert, but a phone call from head coach Pete Carroll ultimately brought a smile from ear to ear to the former Boise State player.
Jeanty celebrated his arrival to the Raiders with joy, as Jeanty himself told Channel 6 Sports, where he commented on those moments in Green Bay, the site of the NFL Draft. “It was a great experience, very exciting. I had a feeling I was going to be here,” Ashton said.
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