Rex Ryan: Jeanty 'Stinks' as Worst RB Draft Pick in Two Decades
The former NFL coach called the Las Vegas Raiders running back 'soft as Charmin' on ESPN, citing a 3.1 yards per carry average.
By Thiago Kovalenko ·
Rex Ryan, a former NFL head coach and current ESPN football analyst, launched a sharp critique of Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty on national television this week. Ryan, who reviewed game footage during a broadcast, labeled Jeanty 'soft as Charmin,' referencing the toilet paper brand.
The comments came as Ryan analyzed the Raiders' recent performance. He stated that he would approach Jeanty in person to deliver a blunt assessment. '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!' Ryan said on air.
When prompted on live television to confirm if he would actually speak to the player, Ryan doubled down on his stance. 'I'm going right up to his ass,' he said.
Jeanty, a 2025 first-round pick selected sixth overall by the Raiders, has struggled to translate his college production into the pros. His average of 3.1 yards per carry sits well below expectations for a player of his draft pedigree. The Raiders' coaching staff has also limited his workload in recent games.
In a game earlier this week, Jeanty received just two carries for nine total yards. His backup running back handled the ball 25 times, resulting in a much higher share of the team's rushing attempts. The disparity in usage highlighted the ongoing challenges Jeanty faces in establishing a consistent role in the NFL offense.
The critique arrives as Boise State football celebrates its own legacy. This past weekend, the university unveiled a statue of Kellen Moore, the program's most successful quarterback and current head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Moore's return to Boise for the unveiling drew large crowds and renewed attention on the Broncos' notable alumni.
Ryan's comments have generated significant online discussion regarding the gap between high-profile college performances and professional results. The former coach's direct language contrasts with the typical diplomatic tone of broadcast analysts, placing Jeanty at the center of a new round of debate over his adaptation to the NFL.
