The Las Vegas Raiders made a dynamic selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, as the team spent the No.6 overall pick on running back Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State product is the best running back prospect in recent memory and is coming off a 2,000-yard junior campaign in 2024.
Jeanty will elevate the Raiders' offense to the next level. The team boasted one of the league's worst rushing attacks last year and hasn't added much to the position this offseason other than signing Raheem Mostert. Jeanty will immediately step in as the starter at the position and provide high-level play in his rookie season.
Taking Jeanty with the sixth pick is an exciting move by the Raiders, but it's also a massive positional and money investment. According to Bronco Nation News' Mike Prater, Jeanty's rookie deal with Las Vegas is projected to be worth around $31.8 million with a $19.8 million signing bonus.
"Ashton Jeanty goes No. 6 to Raiders. He's the highest RB drafted into the NFL since Saquon Barkley in 2018 (No. 2) and the highest Boise State pick ever," Prater wrote on X. "Jeanty's rookie contract: $31.8M/$19.8M signing bonus."
Andrew Brandt of Sports Illustrated also adds that Jeanty's contract will be fully guaranteed.
"As the 6th overall pick, Ashton Jeanty will make a fully guaranteed contract of roughly $32 million. That will make him the 2nd-highest paid NFL running back, in terms of guaranteed money," Brandt wrote on X.
Jeanty will be making a ton of money, but selecting him in Round 1 is still a fantastic pick by the Raiders. The 21-year-old will be under team control for at least five seasons and may turn out to be the future face of the franchise for Las Vegas.
Pete Carroll had success with Marshawn Lynch in Seattle. Trying to replicate that recipe with Jeanty is a savvy move, even if it will cost a good chunk of money.
