ESPN's Dan Graziano heard from multiple people inside the Raiders organization that RB Ashton Jeanty is expected to play an even bigger role in the passing game this season. That would build on last year's 73 targets, 55 catches, and 346 receiving yards, all top-10 marks among RBs.
What They're Saying
Graziano: "Rookie Mike Washington Jr. is the player behind Jeanty, and the team likes him a lot, but it looks as if Las Vegas is planning for Jeanty's role to get only bigger. The team believes he's capable of much more."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: More Targets, More Upside
Jeanty played some WR in high school and averaged 10.8 yards per catch across 80 college receptions. His 55 catches last year were the 20th most by a rookie RB in NFL history.
So the receiving resume is strong. Factor in Vegas' uninspiring WR corps, and it's easy to see Jeanty posting even bigger receiving numbers this year. We currently project him for:
- 79.9 targets
- 61.6 catches
- 465 receiving yards
- 2.2 receiving TDs
The targets, catches, and yards all rank fourth among RBs in our projections.
That pass-catching production keeps Jeanty's floor high. Even with abysmal rushing efficiency last year, he still finished RB16 in PPR points per game.
It also gives him an exciting fantasy ceiling if the Raiders' rushing game improves this year with a bolstered offensive line under HC Klint Kubiak.
Jeanty remains a fine target at his late-first-round ADP.
