The NFL Draft ignited when the Las Vegas Raiders selected Boise State phenomenon Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick. Standing at just 5-foot-8 but weighing a solid 215 pounds, Jeanty became the highest drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018, immediately sparking social media reactions when ESPN’s fixed height camera setup appeared to crop him during his draft moment.
Fans Roast ESPN for Cropping 5’8″ Ashton Jeanty But Can’t Wait To See Him Prove His Worth on NFL Field
Raiders fans celebrated landing the Heisman runner-up, who rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. One viral tweet proclaimed “They poking a fucking demon he’s about to go off on this league 😈” capturing the sentiment that NFL defenses should fear Jeanty despite his shorter stature.
Social media buzzed when ESPN’s fixed-height camera setup for draft picks wearing their new team caps unintentionally framed Jeanty differently than taller players. The shorter running back appeared partially cropped in the shot, which fans quickly transformed into meme-worthy content, creating a rallying cry for the explosive back who dominated college football.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: ESPN did Ashton Jeanty dirty during last night’s draft in Green Bay 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/vxsgYYQkHj
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 25, 2025
What cameras couldn’t diminish was Jeanty’s production, which impressed NFL scouts. Leading FBS in yards after contact with 1,733 yards and averaging 4.6 yards per attempt after contact, his tackle-breaking ability has drawn comparisons to Marshawn Lynch, a parallel Raiders head coach Pete Carroll himself made after the selection.
Jeanty’s Swarovski crystal-studded Crocs and dual American/Haitian flags representing his heritage amplified attention. His footwear choice became fodder for jokes with fans suggesting it “dropped him to the 6th round,” ironically where he was picked.
The “demon” metaphor perfectly captures Jeanty’s relentless running style. Despite height questions throughout the draft process, his combination of power, vision, and receiving ability has fantasy analysts projecting him as a potential top-five running back in his rookie season.
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For the Raiders, who struggled with the league’s worst rushing attack at 3.6 yards per carry in 2024, Jeanty represents an immediate solution. Carroll labeled him a “dynamic player” capable of transforming Las Vegas’ ground game within offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s run-heavy scheme.
Though veterans Raheem Mostert and Zamir White are in the Raiders’ backfield, Jeanty is expected to claim the starting role immediately. With 80 career college receptions complementing his rushing prowess, he appears ready to silence doubters with the same tackle-breaking fury that made him a college football legend.
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