When the Las Vegas Raiders selected Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the rest of the division was put on notice. While a running back addition was never going to solve the Raiders' woes after years in the AFC West basement, the addition of a prospect widely viewed as a truly elite game-changer, Jeanty could at least be a part of the solution in SIn City.
Six games into his NFL career, the Raiders are still in the basement, but Jeanty is doing his part. With 105 carries for 424 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground and another 14 catches for 73 yards and 2 scores via the passing game, Jeanty is going to get several votes for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to host the Raiders in Week 7 at Arrowhead Stadium, the oddsmakers aren't expecting much of a challenge from Vegas. However, the Chiefs aren't overlooking their longtime rivals, knowing just how tough they've played the Chiefs in recent years. Jeanty's addition only makes them more of a threat.
Joe Cullen says the Chiefs view Ashton Jeanty as a threat for all 11 defenders on the field at any time.
Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen spoke with reporters this week and detailed what makes Jeanty so dangerous. He also called Jeanty a worry for all 11 players on defense.
"Jeanty can make all the cuts," said Cullen. "You look at the Chicago game when he made those long cuts. You look at the Washington game, he made some great runs in there. Every week, he’s gotten better and better, so it’s all hands on deck, all 11. We’re going to have our hands full. He’s a heckuva player. He was at Boise, and he’s continuing to do it."
Cullen referenced Jeanty's numbers at Boise State, and it's a good reminder of just how impactful he can be as an offensive cornerstone. Jeanty had 50 rushing touchdowns over three seasons, and led college football in both rushing yards (2,601) and touchdowns (29) last season.
Of course, the Chiefs are hoping that quarterback Geno Smith is going to have to play keep-up with Patrick Mahomes and K.C.'s offense. If so, his league-leading interception total of 10 might climb higher, which would also force the Raiders to lean less on Jeanty.
Together with tight end Brock Bowers and Jeanty, the Raiders have two true pillars in place on offense. If they can figure out the rest, they'll be something to contend with. On Sunday, the Raiders are hoping that Jeanty is at least enough to surprise Kansas City at home.