The Las Vegas Raiders closed a turbulent season on a high note with a gritty 14-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, but the conversation quickly shifted to the future. With the franchise now holding the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty understands just how pivotal the moment is for the organization.
“That type of pick can change an organization,” Jeanty said after the finale. “Just praying we make the right pick.”
Despite speculation linking the Raiders to quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Jeanty made it clear he’s not involved in draft-room debates.
“No thoughts. They’ll pick whoever they pick,” the running back said, before adding bluntly, “No comment.”
What Jeanty did reflect on, however, was the adversity he faced during his first NFL season – and how it shaped him.
“I feel like I learned a lot about myself in the face of adversity,” Jeanty explained. “To come here and be pretty bad, big switch-but being able to handle it. Just continue to be great.”
That mindset defined his rookie campaign, even as the Raiders struggled to find consistency across the roster.
Record-setting rookie season gives Raiders a foundation to build on
While the Raiders finished with one of the league’s worst records, Jeanty quietly delivered a historic season. The former No. 6 overall pick fell just 25 yards short of 1,000 rushing yards, yet still set a franchise rookie record with more than 1,300 yards from scrimmage, surpassing a mark previously held by Josh Jacobs.
His breakout performance against Houston’s elite defense removed lingering doubts about his selection, reinforcing the belief that Jeanty can be a cornerstone piece moving forward. With Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and future draft capital, Las Vegas has the framework to accelerate its rebuild – provided it finds the right quarterback and upgrades its offensive line.
Head coach Pete Carroll made a point to highlight Jeanty’s impact following the season finale.
“Thanks for asking that. We need to talk about him,” Carroll said. “I thought he had a great year. I think he maximized the opportunities that he had… It just shows you, not just the toughness, but the endurance, too.”
Carroll emphasized that Jeanty’s consistency stood out late in the year, when many players wear down.
“He was running fast in practice this week. Sometimes, by the last game of the year, guys are really unable to,” the coach added. “He was just rock solid.”
Beyond production, Carroll praised Jeanty’s physicality and leadership.
“These guys know it. They respect the heck out of him,” he said. “He just keeps coming back day in and day out being the same guy… He’s already emerging in this club, and he’ll be a longtime leader in this club.”
As the Raiders enter a defining offseason with the league’s most valuable draft asset, Jeanty has already proven he belongs at the center of whatever comes next.
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