There may not be a more anticipated rookie debut in the NFL next season than Ashton Jeanty’s. The former Boise State running back is a generational prospect who might transform the Las Vegas Raiders’ backfield the moment he steps on the field in Week 1.
There are many reasons to be excited about Jeanty’s first season in the NFL, but let’s not forget that Las Vegas also signed Raheem Mostert this offseason. The Raiders knew their running back room needed an overhaul, and Mostert’s addition helped reshape the depth chart.
While most Raiders and NFL fans lock in on Jeanty, we’ll closely examine how Mostert can help his new team in 2025.
Veteran leadership
The current NFL odds don’t reflect the Raiders being a powerhouse in the tough AFC West division. Las Vegas would like to bounce back from a tumultuous 2024, and there’s a realistic chance they can. However, they will go through some growing pains before competing with the AFC’s best.
That’s where Mostert comes in. Rookies like Jeanty and others might become disappointed if the wins aren’t coming in bunches early in the NFL season. Mostert has seen it all in his NFL career, and his leadership in the locker room will help the team continue pulling in the right direction.
Additionally, Mostert accepts that he will likely be a marginal contributor to the field. Jeanty will handle the lion’s share of the workload, and that’s fine. Mostert was in a timeshare with the Miami Dolphins in recent years and understands that dynamic as well as anyone.
Special teams
Mostert is a late bloomer in the NFL. He didn’t become a full-time or legitimate option at running back until he was a veteran in the league. He cut his teeth on special teams, a phase of the game that is often ignored.
One way Pete Carroll and the new coaching staff might deploy Mostert is by putting him on special teams, embodying a full-circle journey for him. While many veteran players might look down on that assignment later in their career, Mostert might accept a punt or kick return-type role as another way to get the ball in his hands. Even though he’s in his thirties, he’s shown that he’s one of the fastest players in the NFL.
Gas in the tank
It’s also entirely possible that the Raiders might have caught some lightning in a bottle with Mostert. After all, the Dolphins didn’t expect him to lead the league in touchdowns in 2023. It’s unlikely he would be that productive for Las Vegas, but he will undoubtedly be motivated to show that he’s not finished as an offensive weapon in the NFL.
Mostert averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry in 2024, but he battled injury throughout the season. Miami was also set back on offense in the games Tua Tagovailoa couldn’t play. With an exciting offense in Las Vegas, Mostert could jump back to over four yards per tote.