Ashton Jeanty’s selection by the Las Vegas Raiders as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t entirely unexpected, at least not according to the man himself. A surprising revelation involving the Raiders’ General Manager’s son added a unique layer to the selection process, making Jeanty almost certain of his landing spot.
Ashton Jeanty Says He Knew Raiders Would Draft Him at No. 6—If He Was Still There
The unusual precursor to Jeanty’s draft day involved Raiders GM John Spytek’s 10-year-old son, Jack. As Spytek shared on SiriusXM Radio, young Jack had playfully issued an ultimatum: draft Boise State standout Jeanty, or risk losing him as a fan—and potentially a son! Jack’s enthusiasm even extended to lobbying Raiders owner Mark Davis directly.
This anecdote quickly circulated on social media, reaching Jeanty himself.
Reflecting on this unexpected endorsement, Jeanty admitted in a recent interview:
“Once I saw that come out on social media, I’m like, ‘Man, there’s no way they’re not gonna pick me at No. 6 if I’m still there.'”
This lighthearted yet firm declaration from the GM’s son added an undeniable element of anticipation to Jeanty’s draft experience. While the moment was humorous, it also hinted at a genuine interest in the player within the Raiders organization, even extending to the family of key personnel.
Despite the amusing circumstances, Jeanty remained grounded, focusing on his abilities and potential fit with the team. He expressed excitement about joining the Raiders and specifically mentioned his anticipation for head coach Pete Carroll’s run-heavy philosophy.
“I’m excited about Coach Carroll’s offense and believe it will utilize my abilities effectively,” Jeanty stated, highlighting his confidence in contributing to the team’s strategic plans.
Beyond a Son’s Plea: Jeanty’s Talent Earns the Pick
While the story of Jack Spytek’s strong preference for Jeanty adds a memorable narrative to the draft, the Raiders’ decision was ultimately rooted in the running back’s undeniable talent and impressive statistics.
In his standout 2024 season, Jeanty amassed a remarkable 1,970 yards after contact and forced an astounding 164 missed tackles, both setting FBS single-season records. These numbers solidified his position as one of the top prospects in his class.
Jeanty’s playing tactics seem to work perfectly with head coach Pete Carroll’s preferred run-oriented system. The successful run-back partnership Carroll forged with Marshawn Lynch sets a precedent that Jeanty sees as analogous to his potential at USC due to the match of playing styles.
“He sees similarities between his playing style and Marshawn Lynch’s,” the video interview highlighted, suggesting a shared physicality and impactful running style that the Raiders’ coaching staff likely values.
The story about a GM’s son’s demands during the draft created an intriguing narrative. Still, Jeanty received his draft call from the Las Vegas Raiders by demonstrating elite skills combined with his match in the offense scheme and organizational confidence in his future contribution to team success.
KEEP READING: 2025 NFL Draft: Top 5 Player Landing Spots From the First Round
The enthusiastic endorsement from a young fan might have added a touch of destiny, but Jeanty’s hard-earned talent truly paved his way to the NFL.
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