Ashton Jeanty: Boise State’s Newest Star Turns Raider
Ashton Jeanty has made headlines as he transitions from breathtaking performances at Boise State to joining the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL. This exhilarating move has generated buzz among fantasy football enthusiasts keen to see how this otherworldly running back will make an impact on the professional stage. As the Raiders brace for the season, Jeanty’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment, filling a significant void in their backfield.
The Raiders have made some intriguing moves this offseason, creating an offensive lineup that showcases potential. With the likes of Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers creating a formidable duo in the passing game, the Raiders seem poised for an explosive season. New quarterback Geno Smith has established his worth in the league and has the ability to keep fantasy values afloat. However, the glaring concern remains—their running back situation. Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick currently lead a thin depth chart, leaving Jeanty with a golden opportunity to claim the starting role.
With this in mind, Jeanty is not just entering a team—he’s stepping into a position where he could command a majority of the offensive workload. Fantasy managers are understandably excited. Many view this as an ideal opportunity for Jeanty to unleash his game-changing skills at the next level, allowing managers to envision the potential rewards that come with his talent.
Jeanty’s Rise in Fantasy Football
As the fantasy football landscape evolves each draft season, the question on everyone’s mind is: How early will Jeanty’s name be called? Seasoned Yahoo Fantasy analyst Andy Behrens has already placed Jeanty among the elite names in fantasy leagues. His description sheds light on how highly sought-after he may become:
“Jeanty is a tier-of-his-own running back in an incredible class at the position. Good luck landing him in a fantasy draft without paying a first-round price.”
His words emphasize just how special Jeanty is projected to be as he embarks on this new chapter of his career. The talented running back isn’t just a player to keep an eye on; he’s a player that could redefine expectations this coming season.
College Achievements: A Glimpse at Jeanty’s Legacy
As we anticipate Jeanty’s NFL debut, it’s essential to reflect on his mind-blowing college career that has set the stage for his entry into the pro league. In a season that had fans buzzing, Jeanty tallied an astounding 2,601 rushing yards, leading the nation in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). His performance eclipsed the second-place finisher, Cam Skattebo, by nearly 1,000 yards, and he racked up an impressive 30 total touchdowns.
Statistics, however, only tell part of the story. Watching Jeanty on tape reveals a running back with electrifying potential. His powerful, compact running style offers an impressive contact balance, enabling him to evade tackles effectively. Jeanty’s low center of gravity makes him a challenging target, and his ability to thrive in congestion at the line of scrimmage is impressive. Notably, his ability to generate 5.25 yards after contact per rush effort showcases his knack for turning small openings into sizable gains. Fantasy analyst Matt Harmon encapsulates this well, noting the remarkable capabilities Jeanty possesses on the field.
Jeanty in a Competitive Running Back Class
This year’s running back class is notably loaded with exceptional talent, making Jeanty’s achievements stand out even more. While multiple running backs have had impressive college seasons, Jeanty’s performance solidifies him as the top option. Analysts highlight that seven different running backs emerged from the collegiate scene with over 1,500 rushing yards during the last season, three of whom surpassed the 2,000 scrimmage yard mark. Yet, it’s Jeanty who is front and center, not only as a product of his stats but also as a comprehensive runner.
He enters the NFL with few glaring weaknesses and an abundance of strengths, and while he did struggle with ball security at times—evident from his fumbly nature—he showcased an ability to handle a remarkable 397 touches in his final collegiate season. Fantasy expert Andy Behrens claims, “Jeanty is the rare running back who plainly deserves Round 1 consideration in fantasy drafts.” This line alone emphasizes the high expectations and excitement that surround him as he joins the professional ranks.
As draft day approaches and the fantasy season looms, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Jeanty, as he prepares to take his well-earned place as one of the most compelling running backs entering the league. Football fans and fantasy managers alike will be watching closely to see what this electrifying player accomplishes in Las Vegas.