Ashton Jeanty didn’t have the NFL debut he was hoping for.
The rookie running back, whom the Raiders selected sixth overall out of Boise State, rushed three times for minus-one yards in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Seahawks, causing fans to share early concerns about his outlook.
Jeanty, a physical, contact-seeking back, was one of the most dominant players in college football last season.
He carried the Broncos to their first College Football Playoff appearance behind 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.
Jeanty earned glowing reviews through the start of training camp, too, which raised fans’ anticipation for his debut even more.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz, for instance, reported Wednesday that Jeanty had been “turning heads in a major way” since arriving at the facility in Las Vegas, and that his “elite contact balance, explosiveness and natural feel as a runner wasn’t just hype.”
That followed suit with what Raiders coach Pete Carroll said after mandatory minicamp in June.
“Ashton looks every bit what we had hoped he would look like. He caught the ball really well, he understood stuff, took everything really seriously, gave terrific effort throughout,” Carroll said. “And we made a big deal to him — everybody’s watching you, you know — and he embraced the thought of it. So, it’s going to be exciting to see what happens.”
The 21-year-old should be getting plenty more opportunity to prove himself in the coming preseason games, but he struggled to live up to that lofty praise in his first chance.
The Raiders’ weak offensive line, which failed to open holes for Jeanty on any of his carries, was part of the equation Thursday night as well.
Still, fans sounded off on the rookie’s performance on social media.
“Ashton Jeanty officially on bust watch,” wrote one user on X.
“He feasted on Bad football teams in college,” said another. “Can’t run against real Ds. He will be a bust in the NFL.”
“Not saying Ashton Jeanty is a bust already,” wrote a third, “but damn this wasn’t a good sign.”