The Las Vegas Raiders have endured years of instability, leading to multiple resets in recent years. Sitting at 2-14 and owning the NFL’s worst record in 2025, the Raiders are positioned to secure the first-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite the adversity, there is one player on the roster in particular who provides stability for their future: Ashton Jeanty.
A Workhorse in Motion
Selected sixth overall out of Boise State in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty has faced a challenging rookie season. Still, he rose to the occasion, proving to be an impactful player while on a struggling team.
Jeanty, 22, possesses power, strong contact balance, versatility, and a high football IQ — traits that reflect on his workhorse mentality.
Overall, Jeanty profiles as a dependable, physical back who pivots an offense’s ability to drive downfield. That impact has translated into 240 carries, 52 receptions, and 1,227 all-purpose yards in his rookie season behind a struggling offensive line.
The running back signed a staggeringly guaranteed four-year, $35.9 million rookie contract. Standing only at 5-foot-8, Jeanty’s size masks his high motor on the field.
The on-field performance will continue to improve over time. However, Jeanty’s presence in the locker room has shaped him into a much-needed leader.
Jeanty Becomes a Voice in Locker Room
The rookie has quickly earned respect from around the league by taking accountability and speaking honestly, even as the team has struggled through a 2-14 season. A 10-game losing streak has not silenced Jeanty, who remained vocal about the team’s trajectory as the season concludes.
“It’s been a terrible season for us,” said Jeanty post-game to reporters. “So, I’m going to be working, doing everything I can to get better. Being able to lead this team better next year. Just come back way better, all of us to be better.”
Leaders such as Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers, and veteran Adam Butler are central voices for the team during a difficult stretch. Each has emphasized accountability and led by example to shift the organization’s culture into a legitimate competitor. Jeanty is another addition to that group that sets the tone for the team.
Leading the Next Generation
The Las Vegas Raiders have a young star leading the roster, which is undergoing another rebuilding phase. The expectation is that head coach Pete Carroll is a one-and-done, giving the Raiders a chance at a fresh start, including the possibility of holding the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The future of Las Vegas remains uncertain, with questions about whether it will seek early success from a rebuild. All possibilities remain on the table for them to facilitate growth and establish a functional organization.
The one sure thing about the Raiders’ future is that Ashton Jeanty is a key piece of it.
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