Ashton Jeanty Selected by Las Vegas Raiders in 2025 NFL Draft
Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty of Frisco Lone Star was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the sixth pick in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL draft Thursday after a historic final season at Boise State.
Jeanty was viewed as the top running back in this draft class after running for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns and finishing second to Colorado’s Travis Hunter in the Heisman Trophy voting. Jeanty ran for more than 100 yards in all 14 games and had six games with more than 200 yards while running for the second-most yards in a season in FBS history.
Pre-Draft Expectations and Expert Analysis
“I view Jeanty as a generational player at the running back position,” three-time Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew wrote in his pre-draft coverage for NFL.com. “Jeanty is the best player at the position that I have scouted over the last decade. The ultra-athletic running back has all of the traits to become a superstar at the next level.”
Many early mock drafts had Jeanty going to the Cowboys at No. 12, but his draft stock soared in the weeks leading up to the first round.
Jeanty’s Reaction and Inspiration
Jeanty had previously said that he knew at the age of 10 that he was born to play football. After becoming the highest draft pick in Boise State history, Jeanty was asked on the ESPN broadcast what he would say to his 10-year-old self now.
“Just continue to trust in God and your abilities and stay disciplined, and all your goals and dreams are accomplishable,” he said.
Comparison to NFL Legends
Jeanty was compared to former five-time Pro Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch and was asked how he can bring “Beast Mode” to Vegas.
“I think that same energy, the attitude that comes with it that nobody can tackle them on the football field,” Jeanty said.
Achievements and Records
Jeanty finished 27 yards short of the single-season NCAA record of 2,628, which Barry Sanders set in 1988 at Oklahoma State. Jeanty had five rushing touchdowns of 70 yards or more last season, matching LaDainian Tomlinson (TCU, 1999) for the most in FBS single-season history. Sanders and Tomlinson are both Hall of Famers.
Jeanty is the only player in FBS history with 14 games of 100-plus yards rushing in a season, and he finished with more rushing yards than 114 FBS teams. His 1,970 yards after contact are the most in FBS history.
College Career and Awards
In three years at Boise State, Jeanty ran for a school-record 4,769 yards along with 50 touchdowns. He averaged 119.2 yards per game and was Boise State’s first unanimous All-American in 2024.
After leading Boise State to a 12-2 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff, Jeanty won the Maxwell Award, given to the top player in college football, as well as the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s best running back.
Jeanty is the first player to earn both awards since five-time NFL Pro Bowler Derrick Henry (Alabama, 2015) and the only Group of 5 player to earn both in the same season.
Conclusion
Ashton Jeanty’s selection by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL draft marks a new chapter in his football career. With his impressive college record and awards, Jeanty is expected to bring his exceptional skills to the NFL and make a significant impact on the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Ashton Jeanty’s draft position in the 2025 NFL draft?
A: Ashton Jeanty was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the sixth pick in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL draft.
Q: What awards did Jeanty win in his final season at Boise State?
A: Jeanty won the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award, given to the top player in college football and the nation’s best running back, respectively.
Q: How many yards did Jeanty run for in his three years at Boise State?
A: Jeanty ran for a school-record 4,769 yards along with 50 touchdowns in his three years at Boise State.
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