Some players thrive on confidence, and Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is one of them. While QBs like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders continue to be highlighted in the rise and fall on analysts’ draft boards, the standout running back is quietly making a case for himself. Jeanty, electrified by the prospect of turning pro, recently told The Players’ Tribune, “I am coming to your franchise to do what Saquon [Barkley] and the Eagles just did.” A two-second pause. No hesitation. He’s aiming straight for the Super Bowl.

And if there’s one person who appreciates that kind of conviction, it’s Raiders co-owner Tom Brady. Together with GM John Spytek, Brady will surely have Jeanty’s name circled as they evaluate options in the upcoming draft. Amid the ongoing draft frenzy, former NFL safety and current analyst Ryan Clark has some pointed advice for the Raiders’ front office. Last season, Las Vegas finished 27th in total net yards per game (303.2) and dead last in rushing offense, averaging just 79.8 rushing yards per contest. Simply put, their ground game wasn’t just bad—it was abysmal.

“I think the first thing, obviously, is Ashton Jeanty, who many have linked to the Raiders,” Clark said, offering a direct suggestion. “Their run game was nonexistent. Josh Jacobs left for Green Bay, and they couldn’t even build an offense because there was no run game to set up play action. [Jeanty] is one of the true impact blue-chip players in this draft.” A clear signal to Spytek and the Raiders’ brass.

In three seasons at Boise State, Jeanty appeared in 40 games (26 starts), amassing 750 carries for 4,769 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns. His receiving résumé is equally impressive: 80 catches for 862 yards and six touchdowns. If Las Vegas does land him, it could dramatically shift the dynamics of their offense.

But the final call rests with GM John Spytek and new head coach Pete Carroll. And they aren’t the only ones eyeing Jeanty.

John Spytek competing with Jerry Jones for Ashton Jeanty

The Raiders’ rebuild is in full swing. With Pete Carroll already bringing in veteran QB Geno Smith, the focus now shifts to plugging other holes across the roster. In a recent media appearance, Spytek shared some insight into the team’s draft philosophy. “Yes, we’re going to make the best decision for the Raiders,” Spytek said. “We have to consider areas where we’re thin, and also where we have the opportunity to add really good players—whether we think we ‘need’ that player or not.”

Last offseason, the Raiders lost Josh Jacobs to free agency. During his five-year stint with the franchise, Jacobs totaled 1,305 carries for 5,545 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns, along with 197 receptions for 1,448 yards. But the allure of a 4-year, $48 million deal from Green Bay was too strong to resist—and the Raiders haven’t been the same since.

Now, Jeanty is doing everything in his power to project himself as the top running back in the 2025 draft class. The 2024 Maxwell Award winner has reached out to several NFL teams, including Jerry Jones’ Cowboys. But there’s one key hurdle between the two franchises: the Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick, while the Cowboys sit at 12. Still, anything can happen on draft night.

Ryan Clark also backed Spytek’s approach, noting the importance of thinking beyond positional gaps. “When your team is as bad as they were, you need to fill so many positions. But I agree with Spytek—don’t draft for need if there’s a chance to pick the best player available.” With several teams jostling for position and plenty of smoke screens still to come, this is shaping up to be a game of cat and mouse. And for the Raiders, the right pick could turn the page on a $48 million problem—and signal a brand new era.