Selected sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, Ashton Jeanty is more than just a first-round pick. After putting together one of the most remarkable college seasons in recent history at Boise State, Jeanty entered the draft with sky-high expectations.
He finished second in the 2024 Heisman Trophy race behind Colorado’s Travis Hunter, cementing his status as a national standout.
What made his journey even more compelling was his refusal to transfer for NIL money, a move that displayed rare loyalty in today’s college football climate.
“You sit there and you go, ‘How in the hell did Boise (State) keep this kid from transferring?’ And he said, ‘Look, I could’ve gone anywhere I wanted and gotten paid a boatload.’ And he never left. He never even considered it,” ESPN’s Louis Riddick shared during his appearance on Best Podcast Available.
Las Vegas lands a grounded star with elite upside
Born into a military family, Jeanty‘s upbringing took him from overseas life in Italy to football-rich Texas, where his skills truly began to shine. His maturity and strong character were as evident off the field as his explosiveness was on it. Riddick couldn’t praise him enough: “Of all the player interviews we did this year for TV, there was not a single one that was more impressive than Ashton Jeanty, by far. By far.”
At 5’9″ and built like a truck, Jeanty combines brute strength with exceptional agility and game-breaking speed. He is also a legitimate threat in the passing game and a willing blocker, a complete three-down back in every sense.
“When you look at him physically, in person, he’s just built like a tank. No body fat, limber as hell, great quickness, catches the ball, will block, he’s got home-run speed,” Riddick added.
His arrival in Las Vegas could not have come at a better time. With Pete Carroll now leading the Raiders and offensive guru Chip Kelly taking over play-calling duties, Jeanty is in an ideal environment. Carroll has long been a believer in run-first football, and Jeanty’s playing style fits that vision perfectly.
“If there was ever a guy who was a perfect match for Pete Carroll, that’s it,” said Riddick.
“He’ll be a 1,700 or 1,800-yard rusher… when you’re talking about 1,800 yards, you’re talking about maybe breaking Eric Dickerson’s rookie rushing record. I think that can happen, I really do.”
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