Who Should I Start? Ashton Jeanty or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Wednesday, June 3, 10:42 AM

Levi Edwards of the Las Vegas Raiders' official site writes that the Raiders have put an emphasis during offseason workouts to make sure running back Ashton Jeanty "thrives and continues to grow in his role as the lead back." The Raiders selected Jeanty with the sixth overall pick last year out of Boise State, and the 22-year-old impressed in his first year in the NFL, leading all rookie RBs in rushing yards (975). Nearly 60% of his yardage came after contact, though. "If I don't have to, I don't want to come off the field," Jeanty said. The second-year back is "doing all the right things" to ensure that he's a three-down workhorse in 2026, according to RBs coach Omar Young. New head coach Klint Kubiak has never had a true workhorse back leading his offenses, but that could change now that he has Jeanty at his disposal. With a new coaching staff in town and quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza under center, Jeanty's fantasy stock is on the rise heading into his second NFL campaign. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 8 fantasy RB for the 2026 season.