Will Ashton Jeanty be targeted by the Las Vegas Raiders and Pete Carroll in the 2025 NFL mock draft?

As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, one of the most highly anticipated events on the league’s calendar is the NFL Draft, where teams have the opportunity to select the brightest college football talents to bolster their rosters. With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, every team’s needs are under scrutiny, and talent evaluators are weighing their options based on performance, fit, and potential.

Among the emerging stars in college football, Ashton Jeanty, a standout running back for the Boise State Broncos, has captured the attention of scouts, analysts, and fans alike. Known for his explosive playmaking ability, Jeanty has all the qualities of a future NFL starter. As the draft approaches, two NFL teams that may be particularly interested in Jeanty’s skillset are the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks, under the guidance of Pete Carroll. Both teams have specific needs in their backfields and could view Jeanty as a potential answer to their offensive struggles.

In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of Jeanty being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders or the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL Draft, analyzing his skills, team needs, and how his talents might align with their respective systems.

Ashton Jeanty: The Player

Before we dive into the potential fit with the Raiders and Seahawks, it’s important to understand who Ashton Jeanty is as a player. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing in at around 210 pounds, Jeanty has an ideal build for an NFL running back—athletic, powerful, and explosive. He has been the focal point of Boise State’s offense, consistently putting up impressive numbers and showcasing a diverse skill set.

Jeanty’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field is one of his standout traits. His agility and lateral quickness make him a threat on outside zone runs and plays that stretch the defense. Additionally, he has excellent burst and speed once he hits the open field, often leaving defenders behind on long runs. His vision and patience as a runner are also notable, as he can read his offensive line and make decisive cuts at the line of scrimmage. Whether it’s weaving through traffic or hitting the hole with authority, Jeanty’s ability to adjust on the fly has made him a standout in the Mountain West Conference.

Beyond his running ability, Jeanty has demonstrated solid receiving skills out of the backfield, which will be critical in the NFL. With many teams prioritizing versatile running backs who can contribute in both the rushing and passing games, Jeanty’s proficiency as a receiver could set him apart. His hands are reliable, and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field after catching the ball could give him the opportunity to make an immediate impact on an NFL roster.

In terms of his draft stock, Jeanty is poised to be a highly coveted running back prospect in the 2025 draft. While he’s not considered a generational talent in the mold of some past running backs, his combination of speed, power, and versatility makes him one of the top running back prospects in his class.

Las Vegas Raiders: A Need for a Dynamic Playmaker

The Las Vegas Raiders have undergone a period of transition in recent years, and their running back room is one of the positions that needs an infusion of talent. As of now, the Raiders have Josh Jacobs, one of the league’s premier running backs, on their roster, but Jacobs is currently in a contract year and may not return after the 2025 season. Even if Jacobs is re-signed, the Raiders would still benefit from bringing in a complementary back who can offer more versatility and explosiveness in the backfield.

In the 2024 season, the Raiders’ offense struggled to consistently find a rhythm in both the running game and passing game. While Jacobs was a workhorse, the Raiders’ lack of depth and playmaking ability behind him was evident. If the Raiders move on from Jacobs in 2025, or if they decide to add another dynamic playmaker to complement their star back, Jeanty could be an ideal candidate.

Why Jeanty Fits with the Raiders:

1. Complementary Skillset to Josh Jacobs: If Jacobs remains in Las Vegas, Jeanty’s addition would provide a complementary skillset. Jeanty excels in outside runs and plays in space, offering more versatility than Jacobs, who is known for his power and downhill running style. Jeanty could be used as a change-of-pace back, taking on third-down duties and providing a receiving option out of the backfield.
2. Playmaking Ability in Open Space: The Raiders’ offense needs more playmakers in space to take advantage of Las Vegas’ vertical passing game. Jeanty’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field and turn short passes into big gains would make him an exciting weapon in the passing game, especially in screen plays and dumps to the flat.
3. Long-Term Investment at Running Back: Even if Jacobs is re-signed, the Raiders could look to the future by drafting Jeanty to be a long-term solution. Jeanty’s blend of speed, power, and receiving ability would allow him to thrive in head coach Josh McDaniels’ offense, which often uses running backs in a variety of ways.

Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll’s Love for Physical, Versatile Running Backs

Another team that could target Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft is the Seattle Seahawks, a franchise known for its physical brand of football and strong commitment to running the ball. Under the leadership of head coach Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have consistently relied on a powerful running game to complement their offensive attack. With Kenneth Gainwell currently leading their backfield, the Seahawks are in the market for a running back who can both contribute as a workhorse and provide versatility in the passing game.

In 2024, the Seahawks showed significant promise with their young quarterback Geno Smith under center, and they could benefit from adding another weapon to their offense, particularly in the backfield. While they have capable runners in place, adding a dynamic talent like Jeanty could elevate their ground game and provide another dimension to their offense.

Why Jeanty Fits with the Seahawks:

1. Pete Carroll’s Preference for Balanced Running Attacks: Pete Carroll has always emphasized the importance of having a strong running game to control the tempo of the game. Jeanty, with his ability to excel both as a rusher and as a receiver, fits perfectly into the Seahawks’ system. His running style is physical enough to work within Carroll’s power run game, but his ability to break off long runs would also give Seattle the home-run threat they need to open up their offense.
2. Versatility to Play All Three Downs: One of the key elements of Pete Carroll’s offense is the use of running backs in multiple roles. Jeanty’s ability to contribute in the passing game would make him a three-down back in the Seahawks’ offense, providing Geno Smith with an additional target out of the backfield. This type of versatility could be invaluable for a Seahawks offense that aims to be balanced and unpredictable.
3. Complementing the Young Offensive Core: With Geno Smith and young playmakers like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks are building a dynamic offensive core. Jeanty could play a pivotal role as a featured back in that offense, helping to balance out the attack and provide consistent yardage on the ground. His ability to make plays after the catch would allow him to thrive as a versatile option in both the running and passing game.

Jeanty’s NFL Projection: A Versatile, Day-2 Pick

While it is difficult to project exactly where Jeanty will land in the draft, it is clear that he is a highly sought-after prospect. His ability to make plays as both a running back and a receiver will make him attractive to teams like the Raiders and the Seahawks, both of whom could use a back with his unique skill set. Given the strength of his all-around game and his ability to contribute to both the running and passing attacks, it’s likely that Jeanty will be selected on Day 2 of the draft (Rounds 2 or 3), possibly earlier if teams are especially high on his upside.

As teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks look to bolster their offenses, Jeanty’s versatility and explosive playmaking ability could make him a top target. Whether it’s complementing an existing star like Josh Jacobs in Las Vegas or adding to Seattle’s already potent offensive attack under Pete Carroll, Jeanty’s skill set will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset on whichever team selects him.

In conclusion, both the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks are prime candidates to target Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft. With his unique blend of skills, work ethic, and potential, Jeanty could become a key piece of either team’s offensive future. As the draft approaches, expect to see his name increasingly associated with these teams as they look to enhance their backfields and add a dynamic playmaker who can contribute in all areas of the game.