Given all of the hype and expectations placed on him by Las Vegas Raiders fans and media in general, is it fair to say Ashton Jeanty will win Rookie of the Year?
Jeanty is currently favored to win Rookie of the Year, with Vegas odds at +250. Closely trailing him is Travis Hunter at +600. Aside from these two, the only other likely contender is Cam Ward. Will the first overall pick be able to thrive in Tennessee from the start? As for Hunter, he might face challenges in his role in Jacksonville due to the presence of Brian Thomas Jr.
The quarterback position is currently weak in this class, giving the Boise State alum a solid opportunity. However, despite being a generational talent, several other factors must align for him to achieve success.
The Raiders Want To Pound The Rock
Both John Spytek and Pete Carroll believe in the importance of a strong run game. Last season, the Buccaneers selected Bucky Irving in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Spytek’s latest running back achieved 1,122 rushing yards last season, despite not being a starter for the entire year. He also expressed high praise for his new running back during a recent interview with Ari Meirov.
“A lot of throws open up when you have a stud running back in the backfield. Jeanty made a lot of sense for us in a lot of different ways.”
The new Raiders head coach is also notorious for utilizing talented running backs. This list includes names such as Marshawn Lynch, Reggie Bush, and Kenneth Walker. The saga continues with Jeanty in 2025.
History Favors Ashton Jeanty This Year
The number one overall pick often finds themselves on an underwhelming roster. When a team lacks talent, the quarterback typically struggles. As a result, the first pick is not statistically favored to win the Rookie of the Year award; in fact, this scenario has only happened four times since 2010. Given this context, Cam Ward is unlikely to achieve this honor.
Moreover, the last running back selected in the top six to win the best rookie award was Saquon Barkley, who accomplished the feat in 2018 despite playing for a lackluster offense. The 2018 New York Giants managed only five wins that season. We expect Jeanty to rely on himself similarly to how Barkley did in his first season. However, with the former Boise State star benefiting from a more talented roster, the path to success may be more manageable.
This season, there is minimal competition for the award aside from Jeanty. Unless Tyler Shough surprises everyone, Jeanty is a strong contender to be named the 2025 Rookie of the Year.
*Top Photo: DJ Cabanlong/The Sporting Tribune