Why Ashton Jeanty Should Be the #1 Pick in Fantasy Football 2025

By Jason Bolton April 28, 2025 21:42

As fantasy football managers gear up for the 2025 season, one name stands above the rest: Ashton Jeanty. The Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie running back isn’t just the top option among first-year players-he’s making a compelling case to be the first overall pick in all formats, redraft and dynasty alike. Here’s why Jeanty is the rare rookie who deserves to anchor your fantasy roster.

A Historic College Resume Translates to Pro Stardom

Jeanty arrives at the NFL as a direct consequence of a Boise State collegiate career that can most appropriately be referred to as legendary. In the year 2024 alone, he ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, was Heisman Trophy second, and shattered various FBS records, including most missed tackles avoided (164) and most games with a 100-yard rushing performance in a season (14). He also led the nation in 1,970 yards after contact, a testament to his elusiveness and power. In his three-year career, Jeanty was responsible for 4,769 rushing yards, 50 rushing touchdowns, and added those up with 80 receptions for 862 receiving yards and six more scores-a true dual-threat back who dominated at every level of competition.

A Dream Landing Spot in Las Vegas

The Raiders made Jeanty the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley, selecting him sixth overall to be the centerpiece of their offense. Las Vegas desperately needed a workhorse after finishing last in the league in rushing yards in 2024. With Josh Jacobs gone, Jeanty faces little competition for touches; the depth chart behind him features only role players, making him the clear bell-cow from Day 1.

New head coach Pete Carroll and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly both have reputations for featuring running backs prominently in their offenses. Kelly's history of maximizing backfield talent in the passing game is especially promising for Jeanty, who averaged 3.2 yards per route run as a receiver in college. The Raiders offense, with quarterback Geno Smith and additional playmakers like Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers to draw defensive focus, should provide more than enough scoring opportunities and openings for Jeanty.

Volume and Versatility: The Fantasy Gold Standard

Fantasy football is a game of opportunity, and Jeanty projects to be among the league leaders in touches. He handled an FBS-leading 374 carries in his final college season and proved durable and reliable. While he may not see quite that workload in the NFL, 300 touches is a realistic floor if he stays healthy. His ability to contribute as a receiver only boosts his value, especially in PPR formats.

Fantasy experts agree: “Jeanty is the slam-dunk pick with the first overall selection in all rookie drafts, and the list of running backs who should be taken ahead of him at any point is short,” wrote JustBlogBaby. Seven of the last eight running backs drafted in the top 10 finished as top-12 fantasy backs as rookies-a trend Jeanty is poised to continue.

Elite Talent, Minimal Weaknesses

Jeanty’s scouting profile is nearly flawless. At 5-foot-8 and 211 pounds, he combines a low center of gravity with rare contact balance and vision. His ability to break tackles and create chunk plays (36 runs of 15+ yards last season) is reminiscent of stars like LaDainian Tomlinson and Alvin Kamara. While he’s had a few ball security issues (nine fumbles over the past two seasons), his sheer volume and red zone role should more than compensate.

Consensus Among Experts

PFF, CBS Sports, and Yahoo Fantasy all rank Jeanty as the clear-cut RB1 in both dynasty and redraft formats. “He’s the gem of this year’s running back class,” said Yahoo’s Matt Harmon. “He ticks all the boxes and is a unique running back who undoubtedly warrants early attention in fantasy drafts.” CBS Sports projects that if Jeanty validates his upside early, he could be the RB1 overall-not just among rookies, but across the entire league.

The Verdict

Ashton Jeanty’s combination of historic college production, a perfect NFL landing spot, and immediate workhorse role make him the safest-and most exciting-pick at the top of 2025 fantasy football drafts. If you have the No. 1 pick, don’t overthink it: Jeanty is the back who can win you your league.