Raiders get it right with Ashton Jeanty pick

HENDERSON, Nev. — They got it right.

Well, at least it appears they did.

It’s not often you can say that about the Raiders. But Thursday, with the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft and needs in multiple areas on both sides of the ball, the Silver and Black took a player people in Las Vegas know all too well.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty was still available and having not been able to trade up, or down for that matter, first-year general manager John Spytek grabbed him. The hope is Jeanty will provide a reliable and valuable weapon in Chip Kelly’s offense and continue Pete Carroll’s penchant for having game-breakers in his backfield (think Marshawn Lynch in Seattle or Reggie Bush at USC).

The other needs the Raiders have — linebacker, secondary, offensive line — they can address Friday and Saturday. They have nine picks in this draft. Thursday was about a need for immediate help and Jeanty will give them that.

“I’m going to show everybody the position is valuable,” Jeanty said on a Zoom call with reporters following his selection by Las Vegas. “It's a great city. There's a lot of history in the Raiders building, a lot of amazing players that went through there, a lot of winning and championships. So, I'm excited to go over there and be a part of that."

He shredded opposing defenses in the Mountain West, including UNLV’s as he led Boise State to the College Football Playoff. Once he got into the second level, he was virtually unstoppable. He led the NCAA FBS in rushing with 2,601 yards and was also first in the nation in yards per game with an average of 185.8. He scored 29 touchdowns for the Broncos during his junior year.

Granted, he may find the going tougher in the NFL where some of the most elite athletes reside on the defensive side of things. But Jeanty should be up to the challenge. Hopefully for his sake the Raiders add some pieces in front of him to block and open up some holes for him.

“Shoot, every single thing,” Jeanty said when he was asked what parts of his game he needs to improve on to be a successful and impactful NFL player. “But I think most importantly, pass protection is going to be one of the most important things. Being able to pick up the pressure, protect the A gaps, protect that quarterback."

Carroll agreed that blocking is an adjustment every NFL rookie running back has to make.

“His biggest adjustment will be pass protection,” Carroll said of Jeanty. “But he’s powerful. He’s tough as nails. We’ll help him learn and adjust.”

It may have been tempting for Spytek to pass on Jeanty and take Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. Or perhaps trade down and gain some additional assets and take a lineman. But Spytek needed to make a splash as he ran his own draft for the first time. In drafting Jeanty, he not only gets a player who can help the team, he gets a guy that people know and aren’t saying “Who?” when they hear his name. The draft euphemism “Reach” does not apply here.

Jeanty was the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up and if you watched Boise State in the CFP, you saw his high compete level and willingness to battle. He’s well-spoken, has no off-the-field issues and his character has not come into question.

“I think how I carry myself, my humbleness, how I talk,” he said about what defines him as a person. “I think it was important to make a good impression.”

Somehow, I don’t see Jeanty racing his car at 155 mph down the streets of Las Vegas at 3 a.m. The son of a Naval officer, Jeanty understands discipline and respect for obeying the law.

Carroll may or may not have a second coming of Lynch or Bush. But he’ll be glad to see Jeanty make his own name with the Raiders.

“We’re real excited about our running game and we think we have added a dynamic player,” Carroll said. “He reminded me of a number of players over the years. There’s similarities in that he can make plays when there doesn’t appear to be any.”

For Spytek, it appears everything fell into place on Day One. But he’ll be the first to tell you the job is not complete, that much work remains to be done.

“We have two days to go,” he said. “But I feel we’re off to a good start.”

Words which in the past have rung hollow. This time, you feel like you’re hearing the truth.