Ashton Jeanty, selected sixth overall in the 2025 NFL draft, addressed comments made by Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers earlier this week. The exchange took place during a Friday interview with CBS Sports, where Jeanty spoke about how he interpreted Bowers’ description of his build and playing style.
Regarding Bowers’ choice of words, Jeanty stated,
“I appreciate him. I know what he was trying to say—you know, he probably hasn’t seen too many guys built like me. So, um, I don’t know if thick was the right word, but yeah, I’ll take the compliment.” —Ashton Jeanty
Bowers initially praised Jeanty during a media session, expressing enthusiasm for his teammate‘s physical traits and potential on the Raiders’ offense.
“He’s a beast … He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s rocked up, he’s thick, so he’s pretty good,” —Brock Bowers
The Foundation for Jeanty’s Rookie Expectations
Bowers’ endorsement holds weight given his accomplished rookie season last year, where he recorded 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends. This sets a promising backdrop for Jeanty’s anticipated impact with the Raiders.
Jeanty arrives at the NFL after a standout 2024 college season at Boise State, where he rushed for an impressive 2,601 yards and scored 29 touchdowns. His achievements earned him the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back and the Maxwell Award as the top college player overall.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) analysis, Jeanty’s college performance projects him as a contender for the best rookie running back season in NFL history. He posted a record-breaking 96.6 PFF rushing grade, gained 1,970 yards after contact, and forced 152 missed tackles, a rare combination of traits. Only four NFL rookies have attained a 90.0 or higher overall PFF grade since 2006.
Raiders’ Environment and Offensive Scheme Support Jeanty’s Success
The Las Vegas Raiders provide a fitting environment for Jeanty’s transition to the professional level. The team ranked last in PFF rushing grade in 2024, indicating room for significant improvement and less competition for carries. Their offensive line’s run-blocking grade of 68.6 closely matches Boise State’s 68.7, where Jeanty excelled as a college back.
New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s system aligns well with Jeanty’s abilities. Kelly’s approach at Ohio State featured run concepts similar to those Jeanty thrived on in college, particularly outside zone and counter runs where Jeanty earned grades above 94.0. This familiarity should enable Jeanty to adapt quickly and excel.
High Hopes for Breaking Rookie Records
The combination of Jeanty’s unique skill set and the Raiders’ more supportive offensive framework generates optimism for a historic rookie season. The benchmark remains Eric Dickerson’s 1983 rookie record of 1,808 rushing yards, a milestone only five other first-year running backs have surpassed.
Jeanty’s ability to evade tackles and gain substantial yardage after contact could distinguish him from prior rookie backs, potentially elevating his performance beyond traditional expectations and placing him in elite company early in his career.