The Las Vegas Raiders have been frequently linked to Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in early 2025 NFL Draft projections. While Jeanty is an explosive playmaker who could add dynamism to any backfield, the Raiders’ rumored interest in him may be nothing more than a strategic decoy.
The reality? Las Vegas has far bigger priorities than running back in this draft—and their supposed pursuit of Jeanty could be a smokescreen to obscure their true intentions. Here’s why the Raiders won’t actually draft Ashton Jeanty and where their real focus lies.
1. Running Back Isn’t a Premium Need for the Raiders
The Raiders already have a solid running back room featuring Zamir White, who emerged as a legitimate lead back in 2024 after Josh Jacobs’ departure. White rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and proved he could handle a heavy workload. Behind him, Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah provide depth and pass-catching ability.
While Jeanty is an exciting prospect—boasting elite agility, breakaway speed, and receiving chops—the Raiders simply don’t need to invest high draft capital in the position. In today’s NFL, running backs are increasingly devalued, with teams finding productive backs in later rounds or even undrafted free agency.
Bottom line: The Raiders have bigger holes to fill, and spending a Day 1 or Day 2 pick on a running back would be a luxury they can’t afford.
2. The Raiders’ Biggest Needs Lie Elsewhere
If the Raiders aren’t targeting a running back early, where should they focus? Several positions demand immediate attention:
A. Quarterback (The Obvious Priority)
The Raiders still don’t have a long-term answer at QB. Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew are serviceable, but neither is a franchise cornerstone. If Las Vegas has a shot at a top QB prospect (e.g., Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, or Shedeur Sanders), they’ll take it.
B. Offensive Line (Protection Matters)
The Raiders’ O-line was inconsistent in 2024, particularly at right tackle and guard. If a top-tier tackle like Will Campbell (LSU) or Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) is available, they’d be far more valuable than a running back.
C. Cornerback (Defensive Backfield Needs Reinforcements)
Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs are solid, but the Raiders lack a true shutdown corner. A high-upside CB like Travis Hunter (Colorado) or Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) would be a game-changer.
D. Defensive Line (Interior Pressure is Key)
Maxx Crosby needs help. Adding an elite interior disruptor like Mason Graham (Michigan) would elevate the entire defense.
Why draft a RB when these positions are far more critical? The Raiders’ interest in Jeanty is likely a misdirection tactic to keep other teams guessing.
3. The “Decoy” Draft Strategy Is Common in the NFL
Teams frequently leak interest in certain players to manipulate draft boards. Examples:
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2023: The Texans were linked to multiple QBs before trading up for Will Anderson.
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2020: The Dolphins pretended to love Tua Tagovailoa to discourage teams from jumping them for Herbert.
The Raiders could be doing the same with Jeanty. By making it seem like they’re locked in on a RB, they might:
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Encourage RB-needy teams (Cowboys, Ravens, Chargers) to trade up, pushing better prospects down.
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Mask their true interest in a QB or defensive star.
Smokescreens work—and the Raiders have every reason to deploy one.
4. The 2025 RB Class is Deep—No Need to Reach for Jeanty
Even if the Raiders do want a running back, they don’t need to take Jeanty early. This draft class is loaded with RB talent, including:
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Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State) – Doak Walker winner
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TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) – Elite burst & receiving skills
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Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss) – Powerful between-the-tackles runner
Las Vegas could easily grab a quality RB in the 3rd or 4th round rather than burning a premium pick on Jeanty.
5. The Raiders’ Front Office Loves Misdirection
GM Tom Telesco and HC Antonio Pierce are savvy operators. They know how to play the pre-draft game:
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Telesco has a history of surprise picks (see: Justin Herbert over Tua in 2020).
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Pierce values physicality and defense—traits Jeanty doesn’t directly address.
If the Raiders do take a skill player early, it’s more likely to be a WR (if Davante Adams is traded) or a versatile offensive weapon—not a pure RB.
Final Verdict: The Raiders Won’t Draft Ashton Jeanty
While Jeanty is a fantastic prospect, the Raiders’ rumored interest in him doesn’t align with their roster needs or draft strategy. This smells like a classic pre-draft smokescreen designed to:
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Conceal their real targets (likely QB, OL, or CB).
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Manipulate other teams into making rash moves.
Expect the Raiders to go in a completely different direction when the 2025 NFL Draft arrives. Ashton Jeanty’s name might be floating around Las Vegas right now—but don’t bet on him wearing silver and black next season.
What Should Raiders Fans Watch Instead?
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Trade-up scenarios for a QB
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Offensive tackle prospects
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Cornerback and defensive line targets
The Jeanty buzz is fun, but the Raiders’ real plans lie elsewhere. Stay tuned.
