TIPSLIFEHACKS

The Las Vegas Raiders' minicamp has provided a glimpse into the future, and one name is generating significant buzz: rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. While the Raiders have a veteran presence at the position, Jeanty’s early performance and, crucially, his willingness to learn, have caught the attention of coaches. Ryan McFadden, ESPN's NFL Nation reporter covering the Raiders, is reporting on the positive feedback surrounding Jeanty's adaptability and eagerness to improve.

Jeanty, a seventh-round pick out of Tulane, wasn't expected to immediately challenge for a significant role in the Raiders' backfield. Josh Jacobs, the team's leading rusher and a Pro Bowler, remains the focal point of the offense. However, Jeanty's potential as a change-of-pace back and a valuable contributor on special teams is becoming increasingly apparent.

What’s truly standing out to Raiders coaches isn't just Jeanty’s physical abilities – though he possesses a good combination of size and speed – but his “coachability.” In the NFL, a player’s ability to absorb and apply coaching is often more important than raw talent. Jeanty’s demonstrated receptiveness to feedback and his proactive approach to learning the Raiders' playbook have quickly made him a favorite among the coaching staff.

“He’s really soaking it all in,” one Raiders coach reportedly told McFadden. “You can tell he wants to get better, and he’s putting in the work to do it. That’s something you can’t teach.”

This attitude is particularly valuable for a young player trying to break into a competitive NFL team. The Raiders have been actively looking to bolster their running back depth, and Jeanty’s willingness to learn and contribute in any role positions him well to earn playing time. He's already showing flashes of potential as a receiver out of the backfield, a skill that could be crucial in a modern NFL offense.

While it's still early days, the initial reports from Raiders minicamp suggest that Ashton Jeanty might be more than just a late-round pick. His coachability, combined with his physical attributes, could see him evolve into a valuable asset for the Raiders, potentially providing depth and a spark to the offense. Keep an eye on Jeanty as the Raiders progress through training camp – he could be a surprise contributor this season.

Ryan McFadden, a seasoned NFL reporter with experience covering the Broncos and Ravens, is providing valuable insights into the Raiders' roster and coaching decisions. His expertise offers a reliable perspective on the team's progress as they prepare for the upcoming season.