Ashton Jeanty’s NFL career has spanned just three weeks, but his quarterback has seen the 2025 first-round pick’s improvement already.
Geno Smith voiced his excitement for the Las Vegas Raiders running back’s development throughout training camp already.
Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick of the Raiders from Boise State and Heisman Trophy runner-up a season ago, had just three carries for minus-1 yard in the Raiders’ first preseason game, a 23-23 tie against the Seattle Seahawks.
But Jeanty will have another opportunity to keep showcasing his growth when the Raiders take on the San Francisco 49ers in each team’s second preseason game Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.
Why Is Geno Smith Excited About Ashton Jeanty’s Development?
The Raiders were hosting the 49ers for joint practices this week, giving Jeanty another taste of going head to head against an NFL team — and an aggressive defense coached by Robert Saleh.
But when asked about Jeanty’s development, Smith cited one specific example that impressed him during practice this past week.
“There was something we did yesterday we really didn’t get right,” Smith said Thursday. “Today we came out, and he got it perfect, and I thought ‘we took a big jump just from yesterday to today.’
“I thought Ashton did a great job, as always, but he definitely took another step and another jump today.”
Those adjustments, in part, turned Jeanty from a part-time player at Boise State into one of the most prolific running backs in FBS history. In three years he rushed for 50 touchdowns and nearly 4,800 yards, including a Division 1-high 2,601 rushing yards in 2024 — in just 14 games.
But Smith, who is set to enter his 12th NFL season, has seen how a growth mindset can benefit young players at the pro level too. He predicted, in addition to Jeanty’s superstar-caliber skill, power, vision and agility running the ball, his mind will also be an important factor in his NFL career.
“To see that from a rookie player, like he learns and he grows with every single experience,” Smith said. “I think that’s going to make him so much of a great player because he’s getting better by day.”
What Did Ashton Jeanty Say About Geno Smith?
Smith was highly complimentary toward Jeanty, and the rookie RB shared his appreciation for the veteran QB recently too — albeit in a different context.
“I would say Geno,” Jeanty said as part of the “NFL Training Camp Tour” on SiriusXM NFL Network Radio, when asked who gets the Raiders going. “He talks a little smack. I like it, especially coming from the quarterback.”
So even though they seem to be meshing well in the Raiders backfield, that is one thing Jeanty and Smith do not have in common.
âIâve never really been one of those guys that’s had to talk too much,” Jeanty said. “I’m more like a silent killer. I love when a guyâs talking trash, all types of stuff. But you just go and show them between the lines, I donât really got to say too much.â
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