The Las Vegas Raiders filled a major roster gap by selecting running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After struggling with the NFL’s lowest rushing average last season just 79.8 yards per game Jeanty brings explosive potential to a backfield in need of a spark, offering head coach Pete Carroll a new power back reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch.
Jeanty, one of the most hyped Raiders rookies in recent memory, is expected to make an immediate splash. He’ll make his debut in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, followed by a high-profile divisional showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 on Monday Night Football.
Still, CBS Sports has labeled Week 12 as Jeanty’s “most anticipated” rookie matchup, when the Raiders take on the Cleveland Browns and linebacker Carson Schwesinger, a second-round pick.
The selection raised some questions, as there’s no major rivalry or obvious backstory linking the two players or franchises. The only minor tie is that Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly once recruited Schwesinger as a walk-on at UCLA a detail with little relevance to Jeanty.
Matchups against first-round defenders like Jihaad Campbell (Eagles) or Abdul Carter (Giants) arguably present more compelling storylines. CBS’s list also included errors, such as mistakenly claiming Omarion Hampton who actually plays for the Chargers is with the Broncos.
Although fans will need to wait until later in the season to see this particular matchup, expectations are high that Jeanty will already be in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation by then and Week 12 could further cement his place as a rising star.
