Why Marshawn Lynch’s Bold Endorsement of Ashton Jeanty Could Shake Up the Raiders — and Defy the NFL’s Biggest Trends

When the Las Vegas Raiders made Ashton Jeanty their sixth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, it wasn’t just another name added to the roster—it sparked a wildfire of activity on Pete Carroll’s phone. Why? Because picking a running back that high is pretty rare these days, and it naturally got Marshawn Lynch, one of the fiercest backs to ever wear a Raiders’ uniform, buzzing with excitement. The legendary Lynch, whose bruising style Carroll once coached, immediately reached out, thrilled by the similarities he sees in Jeanty’s approach—burst, power, and that uncanny knack for turning nothing into something. Sure, it’s premature to dub Jeanty the next Lynch—Marshawn’s got unmatched career stats—but the Raiders clearly saw in Jeanty a rare blend of skill and character worth bucking the prevalent NFL trend of undervaluing running backs early in the draft. This selection, the highest for a running back since Saquon Barkley’s second overall back in 2018, signals the Raiders’ bold conviction that game-changers aren’t confined to perceived “premium” positions. With fresh leadership in the front office and sideline, Vegas is reshaping its philosophy, betting that impact players transcend positional stereotypes. Jeanty’s prodigious college numbers—think record-shattering yards after contact and tackle-breaking attempts—only add fuel to the Raiders’ faith that they’ve snagged a player poised to redefine the value of the running back spot. Ready or not, here comes Jeanty, and the league’s watching.

LEARN MOREHe watched Lynch growing up just as Lynch, blowing up Carroll’s phone, now plans to watch him. He sees the similarities and wants to emulate the physicality and play-making alike.Spytek thought back to his own time as a University of Michigan outside linebacker and considered league wisdom on how to maximize first-round draft picks. Then he ignored it.“I just don’t know where we got to a place where we don’t feel like running backs are valued,” Spytek said in a news conference previewing the 2025 draft. “We just saw Saquon Barkley change the Eagles in one year and now they had a great team around them and it was adding an elite player.His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

• His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

  His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

  His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

  His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

  His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

  His 2,601 rushing yards last season? Second in FBS history. His 2,739 yards from scrimmage? Third in FBS history.

  But for two straight years, the Raiders have looked another direction. Drafting tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th overall pick last year and Jeanty with the sixth overall pick this year, the Raiders capitalized on teams prioritizing premium needs to snag the best players at their respective positions in back-to-back years.Advertisement