The Las Vegas Raiders have been making waves this offseason, bringing in big names like Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly, and shaking up their roster with key acquisitions like Geno Smith and the talented rookie Ashton Jeanty. But amidst all these changes, it seems like Jeanty’s unique pre-snap stance is here to stay.
When Jeanty showed up at the Raiders rookie minicamp, there was quite the buzz around the idea of refining the way the 5-foot-9 running back positions himself pre-snap. However, Chip Kelly, the Raiders’ offensive coordinator, was quick to set the record straight.
“To clarify things, Deland McCullough, our running backs coach, is the one handling stances, steps, alignments, assignments, and techniques," Kelly stated. "My role wasn’t about dictating stances since I don’t coach a particular position.”
Kelly elaborated that while his input included offering analogies about athletic positions, he wasn't the one calling for change. “In any sport, you’ve got to bend your knees," he remarked. "Especially if you’re running a flat route against someone like Fred Warner—because that guy can move.”
Athleticism and adaptability are key in the NFL, and that’s exactly what the Raiders are focusing on with Jeanty. Kelly noted the ease with which Jeanty transitioned, making small adjustments that amount to just a few inches. “It might seem minor, but having a guy who’s that adaptable and coachable really opens up possibilities," Kelly said with a nod to Jeanty's potential.
Vegas nabbed Jeanty with the sixth overall pick following his standout season at Boise State, where he racked up over 2,600 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. The Silver and Black faithful are eager to see if Jeanty can bring that same dominance to the NFL stage.
Chip Kelly clears the air on Ashton Jeanty’s stance change 🙌
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) May 30, 2025
(h/t @JesseNews3LV) pic.twitter.com/q1Th1YxuMr
With his undeniable talent and the Raiders committed to positioning him for success, there's a palpable excitement about what Jeanty can achieve. Indeed, his coachable nature only adds to the optimism that he can make a significant impact, proving that sometimes it’s the small adjustments that pave the way for greatness.
