The Las Vegas Raiders were linked to running back Ashton Jeanty for weeks before the draft. The noise was so loud that it almost seemed like a smokescreen.
As the draft got closer, there were new rumors that Jeanty could be picked before the Raiders at No. 5 by the Jacksonville Jaguars or by a team that traded ahead of Las Vegas. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders were atop the running back's "wish list" heading into the draft.
He eventually got what he wanted and was selected by Las Vegas with the No. 6 pick. However, why was he interested in going to a franchise that hasn't won a playoff game since 2002 and was coming off a 4-13 season?
In a recent interview with Athlon Sports, Jeanty explained what was appealing about the Raiders.
"I think just the hires of certain people on their staff like Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, their mentality in establishing a run game, and their use of running backs," Jeanty told Athlon Sports. "Just different things here and there. They called me about a week before the draft ... and that was kinda like my final, 'yeah, if I'm on the board at six, I'm going to the Raiders."
Jeanty was right, as Las Vegas ultimately decided to draft the running back despite last-minute rumors they would take an offensive lineman even if he was on the board. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers never drafted a running back as high during John Spytek's time with the team, and neither did the Seattle Seahawks while Carroll was there. It's a testament to what kind of prospect Jeanty is.
This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.
