**Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty on Wanting to Show Off His Receiving Skills**
Ashton Jeanty, the dynamic running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, has always been known for his explosive rushing ability. His quick cuts, breakaway speed, and relentless running style have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. But this season, Jeanty is determined to prove he’s more than just a traditional ball-carrier—he wants to showcase his skills as a receiver out of the backfield.
For Jeanty, expanding his role in the Raiders’ offense isn’t just about personal stats—it’s about making his team more dangerous. “I’ve always believed I can be a threat in the passing game,” Jeanty said in a recent interview. “Running the ball is my bread and butter, but I’ve put in a lot of work on my route-running, my hands, and understanding coverages. I want to be a complete back, and that means being reliable no matter how the ball comes to me.”
The Raiders’ coaching staff has taken notice of Jeanty’s development as a receiver. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has been incorporating more designed screens, swing passes, and even slot routes for Jeanty during training camp. “Ashton has that rare combination of power and agility that makes him a mismatch in space,” Getsy noted. “When you have a back who can turn a short catch into a big play, it forces defenses to account for him in every phase of the game.”
Jeanty’s dedication to improving his receiving skills didn’t happen overnight. During the offseason, he spent countless hours working with quarterback Aidan O’Connell and wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett to refine his technique. “Catching the ball out of the backfield is different than taking a handoff,” Jeanty explained. “You have to be aware of linebackers dropping into coverage, safeties rotating over, and making sure your timing with the QB is perfect. It’s a different kind of focus, but I love the challenge.”
His teammates have also seen the growth firsthand. Wide receiver Davante Adams, one of the best route-runners in the league, has been impressed with Jeanty’s progress. “He’s not just out there running basic check-down routes,” Adams said. “He’s running crisp angles, setting up defenders, and making contested catches. When a running back can do that, it opens up so much more for the offense.”
Jeanty’s ambition to become a dual-threat back isn’t just about personal accolades—it’s about winning. The modern NFL demands versatility from running backs, and players like Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Austin Ekeler have set the standard. Jeanty knows that if he can add a reliable receiving element to his game, the Raiders’ offense will be far less predictable. “Defenses can’t just key in on stopping the run if I’m a real factor in the passing game,” he said. “It keeps them guessing, and that’s when big plays happen.”
Fans got a glimpse of Jeanty’s receiving potential during the Raiders’ preseason opener, where he turned a simple screen pass into a 25-yard gain, showcasing his vision and acceleration in the open field. Social media buzzed with excitement, with many speculating that Jeanty could become one of the most versatile weapons in the league.
But Jeanty isn’t satisfied with just flashes of potential. “I want to be consistent,” he emphasized. “It’s not about one big play here and there—it’s about being a guy my quarterback can trust on third down, in the red zone, in any critical situation.” His work ethic suggests he’s well on his way. Teammates and coaches alike have praised his relentless approach to improvement, from extra film study to late-night catching drills.
Head coach Antonio Pierce has been a strong advocate for expanding Jeanty’s role. “The great backs in this league aren’t one-dimensional,” Pierce said. “Ashton has the talent to be special, and we’re going to put him in positions to succeed. If that means more targets, more creative play-calling, then that’s what we’ll do.”
For Jeanty, the opportunity to prove himself as a receiver is also about legacy. He grew up watching backs like Marshall Faulk and Le’Veon Bell, players who redefined the position with their ability to impact the game as rushers and receivers. “Those guys changed the way people thought about running backs,” Jeanty said. “I want to leave my mark in the same way.”
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Raiders utilize Jeanty in their offensive scheme. If his offseason work translates to game day, he could emerge as one of the most exciting offensive weapons in the NFL. And for Jeanty, that’s exactly the goal. “I’m here to help this team win in any way I can,” he said. “And if that means catching 50, 60 balls this year, then let’s do it.”
The Raiders’ offense is poised for a breakout year, and Ashton Jeanty’s evolution as a receiver could be the X-factor that takes them to the next level. With his combination of power, speed, and now refined pass-catching ability, Jeanty is ready to prove he’s not just a running back—he’s a complete offensive weapon. And if his determination is any indication, defenses around the league should be very, very worried.
