Raiders Nab Heisman Finalist RB Ashton Jeanty With 6th Pick

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a bold move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ashton Jeanty, the standout running back from Boise State, with the No. 6 overall pick. Jeanty, who finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2024, brings explosive playmaking ability to a Raiders offense looking for a dynamic new identity.

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Early draft odds had Las Vegas as the frontrunner to land Jeanty at -150, but that projection seemed in doubt as the draft approached. However, a key trade by the Jacksonville Jaguars reshaped the top five and allowed the Raiders to stay put and secure the player they had been eyeing all along.

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Jeanty is widely regarded as the top running back in the 2025 draft class. With a combination of speed, agility, and pass-catching prowess, he’s expected to be a day-one starter and is already a favorite to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. His path to a 1,000-yard rookie season is clear in a Vegas backfield that’s ready for a new featured star.

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While positional value arguments around drafting a running back this early persist, the Raiders are betting on Jeanty’s elite talent and fit within Chip Kelly’s offense. His selection mirrors the early-career expectations of backs like Ezekiel Elliott, though the long-term value of top-10 RB picks remains a debated topic.

With the AFC West as competitive as ever, Jeanty gives the Raiders offense a much-needed spark. Las Vegas may be projected to finish at the bottom of the division, but they’ve added a potential game-changer at No. 6.

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