Silver Minings: Can Raiders help change NFL trend?
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the 2021 NFL season with high hopes and even higher expectations for their rookie running back, Ashton Jeanty. As a newcomer to the league, Jeanty has already begun to turn heads with his impressive skills on the field. But the question on everyone’s mind is whether or not he can be a legitimate receiving weapon out of the backfield for the Raiders this season.
Jeanty comes to the Raiders after a standout college career at the University of Miami, where he showcased his versatility as both a runner and a pass-catcher. His ability to make plays in the open field and pick up yards after the catch made him a valuable asset to his college team, and now the Raiders are hoping he can bring that same level of production to their offense.
One of the main reasons the Raiders are excited about Jeanty’s potential as a receiving weapon is his speed and agility. At 5’10” and 200 pounds, Jeanty is a compact and explosive athlete who can make defenders miss in the open field. His quickness and elusiveness make him a threat to break big plays whenever he has the ball in his hands, whether he’s running between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield.
But Jeanty’s receiving skills go beyond just his physical attributes. He also possesses excellent hands and route-running ability, making him a reliable target for quarterback Derek Carr in the passing game. Jeanty has shown a knack for getting open in space and creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties, which could make him a valuable asset in the Raiders’ passing attack.
Another reason the Raiders are excited about Jeanty’s potential as a receiving weapon is his football IQ and understanding of the game. Despite being a rookie, Jeanty has already impressed coaches and teammates with his knowledge of the playbook and his ability to read defenses on the fly. His ability to quickly diagnose coverages and make adjustments on the fly could make him a valuable asset in the Raiders’ passing game, especially on third downs and in the red zone.
Of course, there are still some questions and concerns surrounding Jeanty’s ability to be a receiving weapon out of the backfield this season. One of the main concerns is his ability to pass block and protect the quarterback in passing situations. While Jeanty has shown flashes of being a capable blocker in college, he will need to continue to work on his technique and recognition at the NFL level to be effective in this aspect of his game.
Additionally, Jeanty will need to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL game, which can be a difficult transition for many rookies, especially at the running back position. He will need to prove that he can hold up against bigger, faster defenders and still be effective as a receiver in the passing game. This will be a key area to watch as Jeanty makes the leap from college to the pros.
Despite these concerns, the Raiders are confident in Jeanty’s ability to be a receiving weapon out of the backfield this season. They believe in his talent, work ethic, and football IQ, and they are excited to see how he can contribute to their offense in his rookie year. If Jeanty can continue to develop and improve as a pass-catcher, he could become a valuable weapon for the Raiders and a key piece of their offensive attack.
In conclusion, the Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has the potential to be a receiving weapon out of the backfield this season. With his speed, agility, hands, route-running ability, football IQ, and work ethic, Jeanty has all the tools to be a dynamic playmaker in the Raiders’ passing game. While there are still some concerns and areas for improvement, the Raiders are confident in Jeanty’s ability to make an impact as a receiver this season. It will be exciting to watch Jeanty’s development and progression as he looks to make his mark in the NFL and help the Raiders compete for a playoff spot.
Source: Silver And Black Pride
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