As the NFL season approaches, all eyes are on the newest addition to the Oakland Raiders, 21-year-old rookie Ashton Jeanty. Hailing from Boise State, Jeanty has already made a name for himself in the football world, earning a colossal comparison before even stepping onto the field for his first NFL snap. But what exactly sets this young player apart and makes him the undisputed top rookie RB target in early PPR fantasy drafts?
The answer lies in both his impressive tape and his numbers. Jeanty’s performance on the field during his college years has been nothing short of exceptional. His speed, agility, and strength have caught the attention of many, including Seahawks legend Marshawn Lynch, who has made a bold prediction about Jeanty’s fate under Pete Carroll.
But before we dive into that, let’s take a closer look at Jeanty’s journey to the NFL and what makes him such a promising player.
Jeanty’s college career at Boise State was nothing short of impressive. In his three years with the team, he recorded a total of 2,189 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. He also showed his versatility by catching 39 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns. His performance on the field earned him the title of Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2018 and a spot on the All-Mountain West Second Team in 2020.
But it wasn’t just his stats that caught the attention of NFL scouts and fantasy football enthusiasts. It was his explosive playmaking ability and his ability to make defenders miss that set him apart from other rookie RBs in this year’s draft.
And it seems like the Oakland Raiders were quick to recognize Jeanty’s potential. They selected him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, making him the 79th overall pick. This was a bold move by the Raiders, considering they already had a solid running back in Josh Jacobs. But it’s clear that they saw something special in Jeanty and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to add him to their roster.
Now, let’s get back to Marshawn Lynch’s bold prediction. In a recent interview, the Seahawks legend stated that he believes Jeanty has what it takes to thrive under Pete Carroll’s coaching. He even went as far as to say that Jeanty could become the next Marshawn Lynch in the NFL.
This is high praise coming from someone like Lynch, who is known for his powerful running style and his ability to break tackles. But it’s not just his running style that has drawn comparisons to Lynch. Jeanty also shares a similar background, growing up in the same neighborhood as Lynch and even attending the same high school.
But what does this all mean for Jeanty’s future with the Raiders? Well, it’s clear that he has the support and confidence of one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. And with Pete Carroll’s track record of developing talented young players, it’s safe to say that Jeanty is in good hands.
But let’s not forget that Jeanty is still a rookie, and there will be challenges ahead. He will have to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL, and he will have to earn his spot on the field. But with his determination, work ethic, and natural talent, there’s no doubt that he will rise to the challenge.
As for his fantasy football value, Jeanty is already making waves. In early PPR fantasy drafts, he is being drafted as the RB6, ahead of other highly-touted rookie RBs like Najee Harris and Travis Etienne. This speaks volumes about the confidence that fantasy football players have in Jeanty’s ability to make an impact in his rookie season.
In conclusion, Ashton Jeanty’s arrival in the NFL has been nothing short of impressive. His performance on the field during his college years, coupled with the support and praise from Marshawn Lynch, has put him in the spotlight as the top rookie RB target in fantasy football. And with Pete Carroll as his coach, the sky’s the limit for this young and talented player. So, let’s keep an eye on Jeanty as he takes the field for the Oakland Raiders and see if he can live up to the colossal comparison that has been placed upon him.