The 2025 NFL Draft featured one of the best running back classes in the modern era.
It came at an opportune time, as teams are running the ball better than at any time in the last three decades. The league average of 119.8 rushing yards per game last season is behind only 2022 (121.6) for the most since 1988.
In a talented, deep class, most experts agreed on the top prospect: Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty had one of the best seasons by a running back in college football history as the Broncos made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff. That was enough for the Las Vegas Raiders to select Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft.
In doing so, Las Vegas made Jeanty the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Here’s how he got there and his hopes for his rookie season in 2025.
Ashton Jeanty’s historic run at Boise State
A child of a military family, Jeanty moved a lot with stints in Florida, Georgia, Virginia and even Italy before settling in Frisco, Texas.
That helped him adapt quickly to multiple new environments as a young player.
‘In football, there’s always a change or there’s always something that doesn’t go your way,’ Jeanty said. ‘Being in a military family, always having to constantly pack up and move, I think (I could) connect with everybody on the team and build new relationships quickly.’
Jeanty played defensive line, safety and slot receiver before settling in as a running back as a senior at Lone Star High School. His 1,843 rushing yards and 41 total touchdowns earned him 15 college offers, with Boise State earning his commitment.
In 2023, Jeanty earned Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors as the top running back in the league. Power 4 conference teams came calling for his services but he chose to stay with the Broncos.
Behind his near-historic season last fall, the Broncos made the College Football Playoff and faced off in the Fiesta Bowl against Penn State. The Broncos lost 31-14 but still achieved unprecedented success for the program.
‘That was everything,’ Jeanty said. ‘Just the fact that we were able to make it there and make history. … That’s what we had talked about starting in January and worked at it, took it day by day and able to accomplish it as a team.’
Jeanty finished the 2024 college season with 2,601 rushing yards. That’s the second-most since 1956 and only surpassed by Barry Sanders’ 1988 season (2,628 rushing yards).
Jeanty’s impact on Boise State isn’t over now that he’s in the NFL. Thanks to the money he earned through the school’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) fund, he set up the ‘Ashton Jeanty Endowed Scholarship for Football’ to help support future Boise State athletes.
‘Some of the things that you learn in school are invaluable,’ Jeanty said. ‘Growing up, experiencing life, experiencing being an adult for the first time, having to do things on your own. College really sets you up for later in life and the years 18 through 25, college is four of those years that can set you up for the rest of your life. … I’m hoping to give other people an opportunity.’
NFL draft night 2025
There was little doubt Jeanty would hear his name called early.
Roughly 75% of his 2,601 rushing yards in 2024 came after contact, and that alone would’ve easily led the country in rushing last season. That quantifies one of his most elite tools: contact balance. It’s Jeanty’s calling card as defenders bounce off of him as he churns out more yards.
‘Some of it’s God-given talent but also just the work I’ve put in from the weight room and studying how people tackle,’ Jeanty said of his contact balance. ‘Then it comes to game time and you see how a defender tackles you, how you can evade, avoid and bounce off defenders. For me, I like to make contact first so I can bounce off them but it takes a little thinking and processing to do it.’
That film time studying how defenders tackle keys Jeanty in to the best approach.
‘Guys who wrap up, guys who like to lead with their shoulders, guys who form tackle – do they tackle high or do they tackle low, are they someone to kind of sit and wait to see which direction you’re going or are they coming downhill?’ he said. ‘All of that just helps your analyzing and then you make your move.’
Las Vegas made its move on the clock at No. 6 overall. Raiders general manager John Spytek made the call to the top prospect.
‘We’re about to make you a Raider,’ Spytek told Jeanty over the phone. ‘As Mr. Davis would love me to say, welcome to the dark side, my friend.’
‘We’re proud to take you, proud to get you, this’ll be so much fun for you and for all of us,’ Raiders coach Pete Carroll told him.
Jeanty was a fan of former Seahawks and Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch as a kid, making the fit even better.
His first call after getting drafted was to Boise State running backs coach James Montgomery.
‘Shout-out to Verizon for putting it together and getting us on the phone,’ Jeanty said. ‘It was an amazing moment. First thing, he answered the call and we’re both laughing because that’s our relationship. We have a lot of fun together and sometimes it didn’t feel like he was my coach, he just felt like he was one of my guys.’
‘It was great being able to call him right after the moment because he’d done so much to help me get where I’m at,’ Jeanty added. ‘I don’t think people realize how important it is to have a great coach along with the skill set and abilities that you have to bring those to life.’
Ashton Jeanty’s goals for rookie season
Jeanty is one of many new faces on the Raiders’ offense for 2025. Las Vegas has a new starting quarterback in Geno Smith and a host of rookie wide receivers, including Jack Bech, Dont’e Thornton and Tommy Mellott to compliment star tight end Brock Bowers in the passing game.
‘They’ve already got some great pieces that they’ve added and I hope to be another piece that brings it all together,’ Jeanty said.
Las Vegas made Chip Kelly the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the league after hiring Carroll as head coach. Both coaches have traditionally looked to run first on offense, making Jeanty a key piece in that plan for success.
The Raiders face a relatively tough schedule in 2025. Six of their games come against AFC West foes who all made the playoffs in 2024. They’re also facing the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Jeanty’s keeping a wider perspective for his rookie season priorities.
‘The biggest goal for me is being a great teammate and having an early impact,’ Jeanty said. ‘Hopefully with the team, making the playoffs. Then individual success like Offensive Rookie of the Year, rushing for 1,000-plus yards, those will come with the team success.’
