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Ryan Clark shreds Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty ahead of MNF, questions presence of 'it' factor

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones11/18/25brianjones_93
Ashton Jeanty (2)
Nov 2, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ryan Clark did not hold back when sharing his thoughts on Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty ahead of the Monday Night Football. While the former NFL defensive back was on Monday Night Countdown, he said that Jeanty hasn’t made a major impact during his rookie season.

“He’s been okay. And listen, Ashton Jeanty was really good at Boise State, and when the draft came around, I said to myself, I don’t believe you go RB at 6th when you have all of these other issues on this roster,” Ryan Clark said. “And if you give him space, he can be a good back. Can he be a transcendent back? Can he be Fred Taylor? Can he be Ladanian Tomlinson? Can he be Saquon Barkley?”

Clark added, “Here is all I’m saying, this isn’t a good football team. This team doesn’t block; it doesn’t give him a lot of space. I think he has the most yards after contact because he gets contacted so early. Saquon Barkley was on a 5-11 team his rookie season, and he had 2,000 total yards, and none of us had a question about whether or not he had ‘it.’ Christian McCaffrey, 8th pick of the draft. He has ‘it.’ Bijan Robinson, 9th pick of the draft, he has ‘it.’ We have yet to feel that or hear that about Ashton Jeanty.”

Looking at Ashton Jeanty’s 2025 season

The Raiders selected Jeanty at No. 6 overall in this year’s draft because of what he did at Boise State. During the 2024 season, the 21-year-old rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries. Jeanty won the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and he helped Boise State reach the College Football Playoff.

In his rookie season, Jeanty has been solid, recording 547 yards and four touchdowns in nine games. He has also been a threat as a receiver, catching 23 passes for 136 yards and three TDs. If the Raiders can improve their offensive line, it’s likely that Jeanty will improve and be a top player in the league in the next couple of years.