ASHTON Jeanty has spoken out after a quiet start to life with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The 21-year-old rookie was selected sixth overall during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ashton Jeanty has made a slow start to life with the Las Vegas Raiders[/caption]
The Raiders picked Jeanty sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft[/caption]
However, Jeanty has struggled to assert himself since joining the Raiders.
Despite his slow start, the running back is keen to establish himself as a star player.
“I don’t think you draft a guy like me to not give me carries and touches,” Jeanty said.
“I’m ready for the responsibility. It’s gonna start from me in the run game and I gotta continue to get better.”
Jeanty won the Doak Walker Award last year, marking himself as the top running back in college football.
He also picked up the Maxwell Award during his final year at Boise State, being declared as the nation’s best all-around player.
The running back follows in the footsteps of Peyton Manning, Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson in winning the title.
Jeanty ultimately placed second in the race for the Heisman Trophy, falling behind two-way star Travis Hunter, 22.
His confidence has been clear from the off, sending NFL general managers a letter outlining why they should draft him.
This proved convincing enough for the Raiders to offer Jeanty a four-year, $35 million rookie contract.
He immediately slotted in as a starter in Las Vegas.
Jeanty scored his first touchdown on his Raiders debut against the New England Patriots.
The rookie finished off a 71-yard drive to claim his first points in black and silver.
He made 38 yards from 19 carries as his side claimed a 20-13 win to open their season.
His second, and most recent, outing saw Jeanty register 43 yards from 11 attempts.
This has brought his average to 2.7 yards per carry.
It has been a slow start to life in the NFL for the rookie, although hype remains high.
Jeanty will get his next chance to impress as the Raiders travel to face the Washington Commanders this Sunday.
The Commanders have picked up one win so far this season, suffering a 27-18 loss against the Green Bay Packers last week.
It will be a prime opportunity for Jeanty to prove why he should be trusted for greater involvement as the season progresses.
