Especially with the Las Vegas Raiders’ lack of success this season, a lot has been made about the organization using the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft on running back Ashton Jenaty. The Raiders have
several holes on their roster at other, more valuable positions, especially on the offensive line, which has led to an underwhelming first season from the Boise State product relative to many people’s expectations.
However, Jeanty does rank second among rookie running backs with 554 rushing yards on the campaign. The Heisman Trophy runner-up is just held to a higher standard after putting together a historic College Football season a year ago and being a high draft pick in an era where his position has been devalued.
Fair or not, Jeanty’s production is and will continue to be compared to the running backs who were drafted behind him, and the Raiders’ Week 12 matchup against the Cleveland Browns is a great opportunity for him to make a statement. While they won’t be on the field at the same time, the NFL world will get a side-by-side comparison of the top two rookie rushers on Sunday: Jeanty and the Browns’ Quinshon Judkins.
The 36 overall/second-round selection from last April heads into the contest as the draft class’ leading rusher through 11 weeks with 620 yards. So, this will be an opportunity for Las Vegas’ rookie to prove that he’s the top first-year back and potentially take over as the leading rusher by outproducing Judkins.
Granted, that won’t come easy considering the current state of the Raiders’ offensive line. But putting up better numbers with an inferior supporting cast would help cement Jeanty’s status and justify the organization’s decision to take him with a high pick.
Also, how the two rookies impact the passing game will play a factor, and is an area where the Boise State product appears to have an advantage over the Ole Miss product. Jeanty has recorded 29 catches for 163 yards, to Judkins’ 14 and 70.
So, this “matchup” is what we’ll be focusing on for this week’s gameday discussion on The FEED. The game kicks off at 1:05 p.m. PST and will air on CBS (check your local listings). I look forward to talkin’ some ball with y’all!
