The plan centers on giving the backfield more opportunities for Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. to contribute on offense. Jeanty, who faced a tough 2025 season, still delivered solid numbers. He finished the previous year with an overall PFF grade around the low 70s while playing a substantial workload of 770 snaps. Across 266 rushing attempts, Jeanty accumulated 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and forcing 61 missed tackles as a ball carrier.
Despite not hitting the 1,000-yard mark, notable football minds see a bright future for Jeanty with the Raiders. Marcus Allen, a Raiders legend, commented on his potential, noting that Jeanty displayed promise when given openings and suggesting that with better blocking, his development could accelerate. The focus on improving front-line protection is seen as essential to reducing the amount of pressure Jeanty faced and to creating clearer running lanes.
A key part of the strategy is upgrading the offensive line to support a more efficient run game. The addition of Linderbaum and Burford, along with the return of Kolton Miller and the growth of younger blockers, is expected to strengthen the Raiders’ interior and edge protection. Improved line play should help reduce backfield penetration and give Jeanty more room to operate, addressing a recurring issue from the previous season where runners often took hits behind the line of scrimmage.
Analysts have begun weighing in on Jeanty’s trajectory in the build-to-become a foundational piece for the franchise. Some commentators argue that he is among the most promising building blocks for Las Vegas’s rebuild, highlighting his versatility and the potential for growth as a featured back. In conversations about the team’s direction, Jeanty is frequently mentioned as a potential difference-maker if the offensive line can deliver consistent run-blocking support and if the offense can capitalize on play-action opportunities that can set up easier runs.
Beyond the running game, the team’s overall offensive philosophy appears to be shifting toward a more balanced approach that leverages a healthier run-pass dynamic. With a fortified interior in Linderbaum and Burford, and the defensive units expected to maintain their competitiveness, the Raiders are positioning themselves to control the tempo more effectively. The addition of Zuhn III in the draft provides another blocker who can contribute immediately in the run game and in pass protection, increasing the depth and flexibility of the line.
The broader expectation is that this combination of improved blocking and continued development from Jeanty will allow the Raiders to maximize the effectiveness of both their running backs and their aerial attack. A more competent ground game can open up play-action opportunities for the quarterback and foster more balance on offense, which is crucial for sustaining drives and controlling game flow.
In evaluating the path forward, it will be essential to monitor how quickly the new offensive line pieces gel with the existing group and how coaching integrates these players into efficient blocking schemes. Chemistry among the line, running backs, and the quarterback will determine early-season success and the team’s ability to sustain offensive momentum over the course of the year.
In summary, the Raiders’ offseason moves reflect a deliberate strategy to elevate the running game by upgrading the offensive line, drafting additional depth, and energizing a young backfield. If the improvements up front translate to more durable runs and fewer backfield disruptions, Jeanty and Washington Jr. could emerge as central figures in a reenergized Las Vegas offense.
