Perhaps the most critical decisions of Pete Carroll’s first months as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders will come in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the No. 6 overall pick being the first domino to fall.
Following a 4-13 season under former head coach Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas has a number of issues to address on its squad. Offensively, there are uncertainties at quarterback following a dismal season with Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder.
The Raiders might use their first-round pick to strengthen the group, but Pro Football Network predicts the organisation will take a different approach, with the best quarterbacks – Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders – going off the board with the first two picks.
According to the Pro Football Network’s new mock draft, Carroll and Co. will select Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty, the “most complete running back prospect in years,” with the sixth overall choice. “There are many needs for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, but we already got an indication that they are thinking of different ways to be successful with their offence,” according to the Pro Football Network. “Pete Carroll already said that having success offensively is not all about the quarterback, and the Philadelphia Eagles proved that with their offensive output through Saquon Barkley.”
Jeanty (5-foot-9, 215 pounds) broke a collegiate football record for the second-most rushing yards in a single season as a junior in 2024. His 2,601 yards were within 27 yards of Barry Sanders’ 1988 record. Jeanty also led all tailbacks in rushing touchdowns (29) and finished runner-up for the Heisman Trophy while leading the Broncos to the Mountain West Conference Championship and a College Football Playoff participation.
“Jeanty is the most complete running back prospect in years,” Pro Football Network stated. “Despite his 5’9” size, he is an excellent receiver, pass blocker, and powerful runner. His excellent vision, balance, and ability to shed tackles make him a game changer, propelling Boise State to the College Football Playoffs.
Jeanty is a top-10 talent in the 2025 NFL Draft, boasting explosive speed, soft hands, and physicality. Last season, Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah led the Raiders’ running attack, which finished dead last in the NFL with 1,357 rushing yards. Carroll and incoming general manager John Spytek will have to make a critical decision as both veterans are ready to become free agents.
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