Ashton Jeanty came into the NFL with high expectations for what he’d do in the Raiders’ backfield, but the 2025 first-round pick’s rookie season did not meet them.
Jeanty averaged 3.7 yards per carry while running behind a weak offensive line and the Raiders went 3-14 before firing Pete Carroll after one season as the team’s head coach. Klint Kubiak replaced Carroll and the team invested in a pair of free agent additions to a line that has left tackle Kolton Miller back to full health, which raises hope that Jeanty will now be in position to thrive.
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While at training camp last week, Jeanty said that he’s also working to make sure that he’s a leader for the team rather than just being along for the ride.
“Yeah, I think being more vocal for sure,” Jeanty said, via Jared Feinberg of SI.com. “I mean, it’s always tough being in the first year trying to figure out so much stuff. But this year, there’s a lot of expectations for me and I think I’ve got to make a big jump. I think that starts with helping my teammates as well and just being a better teammate. So, I think that starts with leadership.”
The Raiders had visions of success under Carroll at this point last year, so there’s not much need for a reminder of how summer optimism can curdle come September. Jeanty making good on pre-draft prognostications would go a long way toward making sure that doesn’t happen again this time.
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