HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Raiders are barely into Organized Team Activities for the 2026 season, but head coach Klint Kubiak isn't waiting to send a clear message about his expectations for one of the offense's most important young pieces.
Running back Ashton Jeanty is entering his second year after a promising but inconsistent rookie campaign, and Kubiak is making sure everyone knows the leash is tightening.
"We're going to put a lot of pressure on Ashton," Kubiak said during Tuesday's OTA session, as reported by Raiders.com on May 21, 2026. "He knows that. We need more from him. He had a good offseason. The game has slowed down, but now he has to go out and execute at a high level every single day."
For a franchise that has spent the better part of a decade searching for offensive consistency, this isn't just coachspeak. This is a directive -- and a challenge.
Jeanty, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Boise State, was brought in to be a foundational piece of the Raiders' offense. In Year 1, he rushed for 847 yards and six touchdowns while adding 41 receptions for 321 yards and two more scores. Serviceable numbers for a rookie, especially one adjusting to the speed of the professional game. But the Raiders averaged just 4.1 yards per carry as a team last season, and the running game ranked 22nd in the NFL.
Kubiak, who took over as head coach after a season as the team's offensive coordinator, isn't settling for a league-average backfield. He wants a difference-maker.
"I see a guy who is more confident, more decisive with his cuts," Kubiak added. "That comes with experience. But now we're past the learning curve. It's production time."
The shift in tone is notable. Throughout last season, Kubiak was measured in his praise of Jeanty, often pointing out the natural adjustment period rookies face. This spring? The message is sharper, more urgent. And it aligns with what the Raiders are trying to build offensively.
A Backfield in Transition
Jeanty is still the clear top option in the backfield, but the depth chart behind him has seen some shuffling. The Raiders return Chris Collier, Dylan Laube, and added veterans Mike Washington Jr. and Roman Hemby to the room. None of those names inspire the kind of fear that would make a coaching staff feel comfortable splitting carries significantly.
That means the offense will go as Jeanty goes.
"It's not just about running the ball," Kubiak said. "He has to be a factor in the passing game. He has to be reliable in protection. He has to be the guy the defense has to account for on every snap. We're asking him to carry a heavy load, and he has to handle it."
The coaching staff has tailored parts of the installation this spring to feature Jeanty more prominently in the screen game and on check-downs. With quarterback Kirk Cousins now under center -- and Aidan O'Connell pushing him in camp -- having a reliable safety valve out of the backfield is a must. Cousins has historically leaned on running backs in the passing game, and Jeanty's ability to create after the catch could become a major weapon.
Why the Pressure Is Real
There are several factors driving the heightened expectations.
First, the offensive line took a significant step forward this offseason with the addition of center Tyler Linderbaum, acquired via trade, and the return of a healthy Kolton Miller at left tackle. The Raiders have the pieces to open holes -- now they need the runner to hit them with authority.
Second, the passing attack has legitimate weapons on the outside. Tre Tucker is entering his fourth season as a trusted deep threat. Jalen Nailor, acquired this offseason, provides another vertical element. And tight end Brock Bowers, who exploded onto the scene as a rookie with over 1,000 receiving yards, demands defensive attention over the middle. The defense simply cannot load the box against a Cousins-led offense with Bowers and Tucker on the field.
That creates opportunities for Jeanty. Now he has to capitalize.
"You see it in practice," one team source said. "He's running harder. He's finishing runs. He's catching everything. The physical talent was never the question. It's about consistency. Klint is pushing that button."
For a coaching staff that is also playing with its own job security -- Kubiak is entering his second season as head coach after a 7-10 finish in 2025 -- there's no room for patience. The NFL is a results-driven business, and the Raiders' offense needs a catalyst.
The Bigger Picture
Jeanty isn't just being asked to produce. He's being asked to define the offensive identity.
Under Kubiak, the Raiders have sought to establish a physical, downhill running game paired with play-action off of it. That formula requires a back who can handle 20-plus touches per game and still be effective in the fourth quarter. Jeanty's rookie season showed flashes -- a 138-yard game against the Chargers in Week 8, a 112-yard performance against the Chiefs in Week 13 -- but he also had four games with fewer than 40 rushing yards.
The inconsistency was the story. And Kubiak wants that story to end.
"He has to understand the standard," Kubiak said. "It's not about a rookie season anymore. It's about being a pro. It's about being accountable for your preparation, your practice habits, your performance. We believe in him. That's why we're pushing him."
The Raiders have made it clear that they are building around a core of Bowers, Jeanty, and a revamped offensive line. With Cousins providing stability at quarterback, the pieces are in place for a top-10 offense -- if Jeanty delivers.
"Pressure is a privilege," Jeanty told reporters earlier this month, before Kubiak's latest comments. "I welcome it. This is what I came here for."
The stage is set. The expectations are clear. Year 2 for Ashton Jeanty is not about potential anymore. It's about production -- and the head coach is making sure everyone knows it.