The Las Vegas Raiders selected Ashton Jeanty sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, but 25 games later the team is relying on fourth-round rookie Mike Washington Jr. instead. Jeanty had just two carries for nine yards in Week 8 against the New York Jets, while Washington carried 25 times for 83 yards. Jeanty's workload has declined each week, from 23 carries in Week 1 to two in Week 8. Coach Klint Kubiak, who was not with the team when Jeanty was drafted, has reduced his role in hopes of a wake-up call.
Cardinals' Love Injured
In Arizona, the Cardinals' third-overall pick Jeremiyah Love has 268 rushing yards and one touchdown in six games, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. He is now headed to injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, his second ankle injury of the season. Both players have faced injuries and inconsistent offensive lines, raising questions about the value of drafting running backs in the top 10.
Historical Context
Historical data shows that from 2000 to 2023, only 54.7% of first-round running backs reached 3,000 scrimmage yards in their first three seasons, 11 reached 4,000, and seven topped 5,000. Meanwhile, later-round picks like Alvin Kamara (third round, 2017), Nick Chubb (second round, 2018), and De'Von Achane (third round, 2023) have produced comparable or greater output at a fraction of the salary-cap cost.
Draft Alternatives
The Raiders passed on offensive linemen Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks Jr., and Tyler Booker when they drafted Jeanty. The Cardinals passed on wide receiver Carnell Tate, linebacker Arvell Reese, cornerback Mansoor Delane, and left tackle Spencer Fano when they selected Love. Analysis of 48 first-round running backs since 2016 found little evidence that adding a first-round back consistently improved overall offense, as running backs cannot block for themselves or fix quarterback play.
Financial Implications
Jeanty's rookie contract averages nearly $9 million per year; Love's averages $13.3 million. Neither has yet delivered the transformative impact expected of a top-10 pick, though both have time to develop. The analysis concludes that drafting a running back that high requires an exceptional player who can elevate the entire offense, otherwise teams may be better served addressing premium positions like tackle or pass rusher.
