Raiders' Ashton Jeanty leads 2025 running back class to historic low

The 2025 class of NFL running backs entered the league with high expectations after a record-breaking start to their rookie campaigns. Last year during Week 4, first-year rushers combined for 737 yards, the highest single-week total for a rookie group since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. That surge suggested a deep and talented wave of talent was ready to dominate the position. One season later, the production has fallen sharply.

In Week 6 of the 2026 season, the 2025 class combined for only 246 rushing yards. This marks the lowest weekly total for the group since they entered the league. The leading rusher that week was Corey Kiner, an undrafted free agent who served as the third-string option for the Patriots. Since that early breakout, the class has topped 600 yards in a single week just once. Injuries and benchings have disrupted the lineup for many of the top prospects.

Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick from Boise State, exemplifies the class's current struggles. The Raiders selected Jeanty ahead of offensive linemen Armand Membou and Kelvin Banks Jr., receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and tight end Colston Loveland. Since entering the league, Jeanty has averaged 3.5 yards per carry on 372 attempts. His efficiency metrics are the worst among backs with 150 or more carries since the start of 2025. He ranks second to last in success rate at 32.8 percent and last in first downs over expectation.

Jeanty's struggles persist despite a new offensive system under coordinator Klint Kubiak. The zone scheme previously helped other backs succeed, but Jeanty is gaining the vast majority of his yardage after initial contact. In 2026, 91.3 percent of his rushing yards came after he was hit. He has no run of more than 20 yards and has recorded just five runs of 10 yards or more on 105 attempts. By comparison, fourth-round rookie Mike Washington Jr. in the same offense averages 4.9 yards per carry and has recorded 10-yard gains on 15 percent of his attempts.

Short-yardage situations reveal a specific weakness for Jeanty. Running backs convert first downs or touchdowns on one- or two-yard attempts 66 percent of the time across the league. Jeanty has converted only 45 percent of such attempts. This is the worst mark among backs with at least 20 short-yardage tries since 2025. The failure to gain small yardages contributes heavily to his league-worst first down over expectation statistic.

The bright spot in Jeanty's season is his role as a pass catcher. He has 34 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns. He averages over 2 yards per route run, a strong figure for a running back. However, he has dropped five passes this season, including three in a single game against the Chargers. His receiving ability may offset his rushing limitations, but the Raiders would have had a more balanced offensive roster with a wide receiver at their current depth.

Omarion Hampton of the Chargers faces similar issues. The first-round pick has averaged 3.6 yards per carry in a rotational role with Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell. Hampton has lost two fumbles and maintains a 37.5 percent success rate, below the league average of 39.4 percent. His value as a runner has been diminished by these turnovers and inconsistent production under new coordinator Mike McDaniel.