The Las Vegas Raiders have the top rookie running back in the NFL, Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State.
They’re considering limiting his playing time to allow the NFL’s oldest running back on the field more.
That’s 33-year old Raheem Mostert, and new Vegas coach Pete Carroll revealed the thinking earlier this week at minicamp.
Mostert is new to the Raiders after a one-year free agent contract, and Carroll seems fired up about him.
“They’re gonna show us that when they get the chance to compete,” Carroll said. “I love having multiple guys play. I’m not relying on one guy. Thunder and Lightning back in the day, whatever it takes to get it done. We’re going to let the guys play for their play time. Raheem, I love having him. He’s an experienced guy, he’s been a great speedster for years. We’ve defended him for years and he’s been a nightmare for us.”
Jeanty could probably be both the thunder and lightning of a rushing attack, but if Carroll feels he has to split the work, maybe it’ll at least keep Jeanty fresher in his first NFL season.
The Raiders actually have an interestingly deep RB depth chart now that also includes Zamir White and Sincere McCormick.
Jeanty remains the most talented of the bunch. The Heisman Trophy runner-up has a chance to turn into one of the best backs in the NFL if he isn’t one already.
“Ashton is every bit what we hoped he would look like,” Carroll said. “He’s caught the ball well, done good stuff, taken everything seriously, terrific effort throughout. We made it a really big deal to him: Everyone’s watching you. He’s embraced that.”
Carroll, like every veteran coach, says there’ll still be a competition at this spot.
But if Jeanty winds up losing out on snaps to a guy who’s 33 at a position that no one lasts that long, it won’t be ideal.
