The Las Vegas Raiders had their eyes fixated on generational running back prospect Ashton Jeanty throughout the pre-draft process. John Spytek was the only general manager to show up to his Pro Day at Boise State, and that relationship paid dividends as Jeanty fell to Las Vegas at No. 6.
Drafting the star running back was not an easy task, however, as multiple teams stood in their way. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears were both rumored to have significant interest in the Boise State product, but the Jaguars diverted their eyes toward Travis Hunter, and the Bears were unable to trade up the draft board.
Jeanty has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players to ever play the position, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson and Maurice Jones-Drew. Barry Sanders, another iconic running back, sent Jeanty a message after being selected by Las Vegas on Thursday evening.
“Congrats @AshtonJeanty2 – can’t wait to see you in the @NFL,” wrote Sanders.
Congrats @AshtonJeanty2 – can’t wait to see you in the @NFL@NFLDraft@Raiderspic.twitter.com/47GFUZgPOd
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) April 25, 2025
Sanders had an electric NFL career, playing 10 seasons and recording less than 1,350 rushing yards on just one occasion in an injury-shortened campaign. His work culminated in being selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which many people believe is also in sight for Jeanty.
Las Vegas now has a workhorse back, which they brutally missed a season ago. Jeanty should hit the ground running for the Silver and Black, and hopefully one day, he is a legend himself, welcoming the new blood into the NFL like Sanders did for him.
Related: Pete Carroll’s Cryptic Message Before NFL Draft is Turning Heads
Related: Raiders Beat Writer Pushes Back Against Troubling Christian Wilkins Rumor
The Las Vegas Raiders had their eyes fixated on generational running back prospect Ashton Jeanty throughout the pre-draft process. John Spytek was the only general manager to show up to his Pro Day at Boise State, and that relationship paid dividends as Jeanty fell to Las Vegas at No. 6.
Drafting the star running back was not an easy task, however, as multiple teams stood in their way. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears were both rumored to have significant interest in the Boise State product, but the Jaguars diverted their eyes toward Travis Hunter, and the Bears were unable to trade up the draft board.
Jeanty has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players to ever play the position, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson and Maurice Jones-Drew. Barry Sanders, another iconic running back, sent Jeanty a message after being selected by Las Vegas on Thursday evening.
“Congrats @AshtonJeanty2 – can’t wait to see you in the @NFL,” wrote Sanders.
Congrats @AshtonJeanty2 – can’t wait to see you in the @NFL@NFLDraft@Raiderspic.twitter.com/47GFUZgPOd
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) April 25, 2025
Sanders had an electric NFL career, playing 10 seasons and recording less than 1,350 rushing yards on just one occasion in an injury-shortened campaign. His work culminated in being selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which many people believe is also in sight for Jeanty.
Las Vegas now has a workhorse back, which they brutally missed a season ago. Jeanty should hit the ground running for the Silver and Black, and hopefully one day, he is a legend himself, welcoming the new blood into the NFL like Sanders did for him.
Related: Pete Carroll’s Cryptic Message Before NFL Draft is Turning Heads
Related: Raiders Beat Writer Pushes Back Against Troubling Christian Wilkins Rumor
