Las Vegas, NV – May 20, 2025
As the Las Vegas Raiders begin a new era under head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, first-round pick Ashton Jeanty is already undergoing a pivotal transformation — one that could shape the future of the team’s rushing attack.
Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, enters the league with sky-high expectations after a record-breaking junior season at Boise State, where he led the FBS with 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on an eye-popping 7.0 yards per carry. The two-time All-American and Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year was regarded by many analysts as the best running back in college football last season.
But despite his dominant collegiate performance, Jeanty is already being challenged to make a significant technical change to his game — by none other than Chip Kelly.
A Stance Change with a Purpose
Speaking on Up & Adams with host Kay Adams, Jeanty revealed that Kelly approached him on the first day of rookie minicamp to address his unique running back stance.
“Man, Chip Kelly, he comes up to me first day of rookie minicamp,” Jeanty said. “‘You gotta be down in your running back stance…’ He won for now. I’mma try to persuade him one day. I gotta earn my stripes and make some plays first, but I don’t think it’s gonna be the end [of my old stance].”
Jeanty ran with an unconventional, upright pre-snap posture in college — a stance that worked wonders at Boise State but deviates from the traditional low, forward-leaning stance favored across the NFL. Kelly, a longtime innovator known for his explosive offenses, wants the rookie back to conform — at least initially.
“He’s not trying to change who I am, but he wants the best out of me,” Jeanty continued. “And I’m willing to do what it takes.”
Kelly’s Proven Ground Game
The move speaks volumes about the Raiders’ commitment to refining the details of their offensive identity. Under Chip Kelly, even small adjustments are made with a strategic edge. The last time Kelly ran an NFL offense — with the 49ers in 2016 — his team averaged the fourth-most rushing yards per game (126.2) in the league.
In Las Vegas, he inherits a team that ranked last in rushing yards in 2024. With the addition of Jeanty and a revamped offensive line, Kelly has the pieces to engineer a dramatic turnaround — and Jeanty, with his rare blend of speed, vision, and durability, could be the centerpiece.
Mutual Respect
While the stance change might be seen as a challenge to Jeanty’s proven approach, both sides appear committed to mutual respect and adaptability.
“He’s a pro,” Kelly said in a brief media session. “We’re not asking him to be someone else — we’re helping him reach another level.”
Jeanty, who also caught 23 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown in 2024, adds a dual-threat capability that fits perfectly in Kelly’s fast-paced system. If he can blend his natural instincts with NFL-level technique, the Raiders could be looking at a backfield revolution — led by a rookie and guided by one of the game’s most cerebral offensive minds.
Looking Ahead
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Jeanty’s development and how quickly he adjusts to his new stance. If it pays off — and early signs suggest it will — Jeanty and Kelly could form one of the most exciting backfield duos in the league.
For now, Jeanty’s mindset is clear: “I’m here to learn, to compete, and to win. Whatever it takes.”
