ESPN REPORT: Ashton Jeanty would reportedly prefer to play for the Raiders, who are at the top of his list of desired teams, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
The Raiders need to not overthink this. Take Jeanty he’s a massive player of need and he wants to be a Raider plain and simple
ESPN REPORT: Ashton Jeanty Reportedly Prefers Raiders; Las Vegas Shouldn’t Overthink This Pick
**April 25, 2025** — As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, one of the more intriguing player-team links has emerged between standout running back Ashton Jeanty and the Las Vegas Raiders. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Jeanty has reportedly expressed a strong desire to play in Silver and Black, with the Raiders ranking at the top of his list of preferred destinations.
Jeanty, a dynamic back out of Boise State, has skyrocketed up draft boards after a stellar 2024 campaign that saw him total over 1,500 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns. His mix of speed, power, vision, and receiving ability makes him one of the most complete backs in this year’s class. But what might matter even more to the Raiders is his apparent passion for joining the franchise.
Sources close to Jeanty say the running back has long admired the Raiders’ historic brand, physical playing style, and the team’s renewed commitment to building a tough, blue-collar identity under head coach Antonio Pierce. That admiration is mutual among some in the Raiders’ front office, who see Jeanty as an ideal fit to fill a major need in their offensive backfield.
With Josh Jacobs departing in free agency and a running back-by-committee approach failing to instill much confidence, the Raiders are in urgent need of a true bell-cow. While other backs like Michigan’s Blake Corum and Florida State’s Trey Benson are also in the mix, none seem to match both the upside and desire to wear the Raider shield like Jeanty.
The franchise has historically thrived on players who play with a chip on their shoulder — those who want to be Raiders, not just those who end up there by chance. That mentality helped shape the success of past icons like Bo Jackson, Marcus Allen, and Marshawn Lynch. Jeanty’s eagerness to join the Raiders fits right in with that legacy.
There’s also a practical side to this connection. Las Vegas currently holds a mid-round pick that aligns with Jeanty’s projected draft range, making this an ideal match from a positional value standpoint. Waiting too long or opting for a different positional priority could open the door for another team to swoop in and grab him.
This is not a time for the Raiders to overthink things. Drafting for need is often dangerous, but when need and talent align — and the player genuinely wants to be there — it’s an opportunity the front office simply can’t afford to miss.
Ashton Jeanty wants to be a Raider. The Raiders desperately need a back who can be the engine of their offense. The fit is natural, the timing is right, and the message is clear: don’t overcomplicate it. Make the pick.
