It wasn’t a game-breaking Week 1 performance from Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. Nonetheless, the rookie did record his first NFL regular-season touchdown in the 20-13 win over the New England Patriots on September 7.
Jeanty recorded 38 rushing yards on 19 carries to accompany his touchdown against the Patriots. The 21-year-old got his feet wet and knows what to expect from opposing NFL defenses now that the games count.
However, Jeanty doesn’t need to feel he must do it all alone. One of the likely reasons the Raiders signed Raheem Mostert is to bring that veteran presence to help the young running back find his footing in the league.
The veteran spoke with Yahoo! Sports, and he offered insight to his young teammate as Mostert tries to pass down his experience and play the mentor role.
“I just want him to be levelheaded right now at this juncture,” Mostert said. “You know, he’s a great guy. I have nothing but great things to say. He works his tail off. He does everything he needs to do in the locker room and in the meeting rooms. I’ve been there, and I just want to be a guidance for him.”
Raiders’ Raheem Mostert Tells Ashton Jeanty to Stay Focused
With Jeanty being a top 10 pick, the added spotlight comes with that honor. Mostert emphasized that he wants to help his teammate get on the right track and prove he’s more than just a high draft pick.
“I told him early on during training camp, ‘Hey, look, man, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on you just because you’re sixth overall,'” Mostert added. “That’s a lot of praise, especially at our position—the running back position. Let’s not take that too lightly, but at the same time, that’s not the objective.
“The objective is to be the best version of yourself possible, and I’m going to help you get into that position. I’m going to do everything I can to help you, and then you’re also going to teach me some things.”
Raheem Mostert Reveals Impressive Ashton Jeanty Trait
Mostert has spent the past few months around Jeanty. While the veteran is helping the rookie learn the ropes, Mostert revealed a trait in his fellow rookie running back that has really impressed him.
“It was an inside zone run out of the shotgun, and I think it was like the third day we had pads,” Mostert said. “He hit this hole, and the way he utilized his center of gravity—he maneuvered in a way that I haven’t really seen from, how can you say, from behind the offense.
“He found a hole, and it was just so impressive. I was like, ‘Wow, this guy does have it.’ He could definitely find the right reads and understand the assignment, and he hits it full speed ahead and full juncture. Seeing it in person, I think it just adds that much more context to how explosive he really is.”
Jeanty will look for a more dominant game on the ground when the Raiders face their AFC West rival, the Los Angeles Chargers, in Week 2.
Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty Gets Strong Advice From Raheem Mostert