The 2025 NFL Draft class is stacked with running back talent, and several rookies are expected to make an impact in Year 1.
Leading the pack is Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty, who is projected to be selected in the first half of Day 1.
Jeanty has reportedly drawn strong interest from the Las Vegas Raiders. With the team picking No. 6 and in need of young talent in its rushing attack, the connection isn’t surprising.
NFL Insider: Ashton Jeanty Has Many Supporters in Las Vegas
From trading for quarterback Geno Smith in exchange for a third-round pick to extending four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby, the Raiders have been active in the first wave of 2025 NFL free agency.
Las Vegas is making significant changes to its ground game after finishing last in total rushing yards (1,357) and rushing yards per game (79.8) in 2024. The team added veteran guard Alex Cappa and running back Raheem Mostert in free agency and is now eyeing Jeanty’s explosiveness in the draft.
FOX Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that Jeanty has found a “contingent of supporters” within Raiders’ organization and could be headed to Las Vegas in April.
“The Raiders, meanwhile, are certainly not done adding offensive weaponry to build around all-world rookie tight end Brock Bowers, and with the No. 6 pick in the draft, there is a contingent of Ashton Jeanty supporters within the organization. In Marshawn Lynch, Carroll has already had tremendous success with a dominant, physically imposing running back. Perhaps Jeanty will be next.”
Jeanty, the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up, finished the season with 374 carries for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. That kind of production could give the Raiders’ offense a much-needed boost after ranking No. 29 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
However, in PFSN’s latest three-round mock draft, analyst Marco Enriquez projects Jeanty to be selected No. 12 overall by the Dallas Cowboys, while the Raiders focus on their offensive line with LSU’s Will Campbell. Enriquez wrote:
On Jeanty’s fit in Dallas, Enriquez explained, “The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads in their division. Their recent decisions have left them in a tough spot, and rather than fixing key areas, they may once again opt for flash over substance.
“Ashton Jeanty is a nimble, agile runner with elite vision. His ability to identify and exploit running lanes is exceptional. Last year, he forced 163 missed tackles, breaking the FBS single-season record. For context, Bijan Robinson forced 112 missed tackles in 2022.
“If selected, Jeanty could become the Cowboys’ offensive engine, even if their offensive line remains a concern.”
As for Campbell to the Raiders, Enriquez wrote “The Las Vegas Raiders traded for Geno Smith, answering their quarterback question for now. Next up? Protecting their veteran signal-caller with a high-motor offensive lineman in Will Campbell.
“There are some concerns about Campbell’s arm length, but they shouldn’t scare away Las Vegas. He has strong blocking fundamentals and balanced footwork. His pass protection is solid, but he needs to refine his lateral quickness to handle elite speed rushers. If needed, Campbell could transition to guard, making him a versatile asset.
“Campbell would immediately solidify the Raiders’ offensive line, which is now being built around Brock Bowers and Smith.”
The Raiders need upgrades on both their offensive line and in the backfield. They will likely address one of those needs in free agency before deciding between Jeanty and Campbell in the draft.