Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty eyeing 'big jump' after rookie year struggles

Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders' rookie RB, is optimistic about improving his performance in 2026 due to offensive line upgrades and better opportunities under Klint Kubiak's scheme.

First seen Aug 03, 2026 · 1:00 PM UTC · last updated Aug 03 5:30 PM

Scoring Zone's Take

Ashton Jeanty enters the picture as a name to watch closely during draft prep, with reporting pointing to optimism around his outlook tied to offensive line upgrades and Klint Kubiak's scheme design. As a rookie back, Jeanty's rookie-year role and efficiency will be shaped heavily by the blocking in front of him, so an improved line matters more for a young runner than for most veterans — it can translate directly into better yards-per-touch and more consistent volume if the coaching staff trusts him in a featured role. Kubiak's scheme reputation for creating manufactured touches and favorable run designs is also a meaningful variable for touch share and receiving work out of the backfield.

That said, this is forward-looking, self-reported optimism from the player rather than confirmed depth-chart or usage data, so treat it as a moderate-confidence signal rather than a lock. There's no snap count, target share, or committee breakdown in the reporting, so you shouldn't assume he's a clear-cut lead back yet — just that the situational factors around him (line play, scheme fit) are trending in a positive direction.

For draft purposes, this nudges Jeanty's stock upward incrementally rather than dramatically. He's worth valuing as a potential value pick with rising-context appeal, especially in dynasty or best-ball formats where offensive environment matters for long-term equity. Don't reach for him as a lock-in RB2 purely off this news, but keep him on your radar and monitor camp reports for actual role clarity — usage rates and OL performance in preseason action will be the real confirming signals before you commit draft capital.

Ashton Jeanty is eager to put a forgettable rookie campaign in the past.

The No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft didn't have the impact he'd hoped for on a three-win Las Vegas Raiders club. Jeanty believes things can be different in 2026.

"When everything is not going well, continuing to go to work and having hope and faith," Jeanty said, via The Associated Press. "I think that'll carry into this year. Just taking it one week at a time, whether you win or you lose, you've got to attack the next game and the next week with the same mindset."

Jeanty struggled behind one of the worst -- if not the worst -- offensive lines in the NFL last season. The back earned 1.6 yards per attempt before contact last season, third-worst behind only Quinshon Judkins (1.4) and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (1.5), per Pro Football Reference. Getting pulverized behind the line rarely allowed Jeanty time to get up to speed.

The Raiders improved their offensive line this offseason, signing Tyler Linderbaum to a record-setting contract, adding guard Spencer Burford and getting left tackle Kolton Miller back from injury. The offensive line upgrades should immediately aid Jeanty, and playing in Klint Kubiak's scheme should put the back in advantageous positions to create explosive plays.

Outside of on-field improvement, Jeanty said he's becoming more of a leader in the RB room after deferring as a rookie.

"It's always tough being in the first year trying to figure out so much stuff," Jeanty said. "But this year, there's a lot of expectations for me and I think I've got to make a big jump. I think that starts with helping my teammates as well and just being a better teammate."

Despite the blocking struggles, Jeanty generated 975 yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per tote. That average should ascend in 2026. Given what we know about Kubiak's offense, expect a big improvement on the explosive front. After shining in that area in college, he had just three runs of 20-plus yards and two over the 40-yard mark last season. It'd be a surprise if he didn't smash past those numbers early in the season.

Coverage from Nfl Dot Com News · by Kevin Patra · Aug 03, 2026 · read original