What's Happening?
The Las Vegas Raiders are set to focus on rookie running back Ashton Jeanty in their offensive strategy for the 2025 NFL season. Jeanty, the No. 6 overall draft pick, is expected to play a significant role in both the running and receiving game. During his time at Boise State, Jeanty demonstrated his receiving capabilities with 80 catches for 862 yards and six touchdowns over three seasons. The Raiders aim to leverage Jeanty's skills to increase their running backs' reception average, which was already above the league average last season. This move is part of the Raiders' plan to change the NFL trend of low receptions by running backs, which averaged 4.3 per game last season, the lowest in modern history.
Why It's Important?
The Raiders' decision to emphasize Ashton Jeanty in their offensive lineup could significantly impact their performance in the upcoming season. By increasing the involvement of running backs in the passing game, the Raiders may enhance their offensive versatility and effectiveness. This strategy could set a new trend in the NFL, encouraging other teams to utilize running backs more in receiving roles. The success of this approach could influence team strategies across the league, potentially leading to a shift in how running backs are utilized in offensive plays.
What's Next?
As the season progresses, the Raiders will likely monitor Jeanty's performance closely to assess the effectiveness of their strategy. If successful, this could lead to increased receptions by running backs across the league. Other teams may adopt similar strategies, potentially altering the dynamics of NFL offenses. The Raiders' approach could also impact Jeanty's career trajectory, positioning him as a key player in the league.
