As if there wasn't enough hype for Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick and running back Ashton Jeanty, one NFL analyst just added to it.
In an article grading the draft classes of every team in the NFL, Fantasy Life's Thor Nystrom gave the Raiders a "B" but gushed about the selection of Jeanty, who was widely considered a can't-miss prospect.
Nystrom believes Jeanty is the best running back prospect since Philadelphia Eagles superstar Saquon Barkley, who also entered the NFL with a ton of hype when the New York Giants drafted him at No. 2 overall in 2018. Nystrom also believes Jeanty will immediately be a star in the league, much like Barkley was.
"Jeanty is the best running back prospect to enter the NFL since Saquon Barkley. He will be a star from Day 1," Nystrom wrote.
The Raiders will certainly hope that's the case after taking him with the No. 6 pick on Thursday. Jeanty should get a ton of work immediately considering the lackluster situation the Raiders have in their running backs room.
It's easy to see why Jeanty is so hyped. Not only did he post over 2,600 yards on the ground in his final collegiate season, he's also a high-character human being and checks every single box teams could want.
Jeanty is a powerful runner who is also explosive and capable of breaking off game-changing runs. He can catch passes out of the backfield with the best of them and his pass protection is as good as you could hope for coming out of college.
There might be some criticism out there about the Raiders taking a running back so early after the position has been devalued in recent years. Jeanty hopes to change that narrative.
"I'm just thankful for this opportunity," Jeanty said after being drafted. "I'm going to show everybody why the position is valuable and you know it is great to take a exceptional running back in the first round."
Jeanty has all the tools necessary to be the next Saquon Barkley, now all that's left is for him to realize his full potential at the next level.
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