Rex Ryan: Jeanty Is the Worst RB Draft Pick in Two Decades
The ESPN analyst used blunt language on national television to criticize the Raiders running back's recent production.
By Adewale Fletcher ·
Rex Ryan believes Ashton Jeanty has been a poor selection for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The former NFL head coach and current ESPN analyst made those comments while analyzing game footage during a broadcast this weekend. Ryan called Jeanty "soft as Charmin," referencing a common toilet paper brand. He went further in his critique, stating he would approach the player personally to deliver a direct assessment of his performance.
Ryan claimed he would tell Jeanty, "You are horrible. You're about the worst draft pick in 20 years as a Running Back. You stink! You average 3.1 yards per carry!" When a host asked on live television if Ryan would actually say those words, the analyst confirmed his intent. He stated he would go "right up to his ass" to deliver the message.
The criticism follows a recent game where Jeanty saw limited action compared to the team's backup running back. The source notes that Jeanty had significantly fewer carries, which resulted in lower total yardage. In that specific matchup, Jeanty carried the ball twice for nine yards. The backup running back received the ball 25 times during the same game.
Jeanty holds the distinction of being Boise State's highest ever NFL draft pick, selected with the No. 6 overall selection. He now plays for the Raiders. His college statistics at Boise State were strong, but his professional numbers have not yet matched that level of production. Many observers view the transition from college to the NFL as a major step in difficulty.
This week also marked a return to Boise for another former Broncos standout, Kellen Moore. The New Orleans Saints head coach returned for the unveiling of a statue honoring his legacy. Moore is described as the winningest quarterback in college football history by a large margin. His presence in Boise placed renewed attention on the program's alumni, including Jeanty.
Ryan's comments have generated online discussion about the gap between college performance and professional results. The source includes a video of the segment where Ryan breaks down the tape. It also features a gallery of Jeanty's touchdowns, including one described as a huge play. The analysis focuses on Jeanty's current yardage average of 3.1 per carry as the primary metric for his criticism.
