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Raiders, Chargers Drafted Ashton Jeanty & Omarion Hampton But Barely Used Them
NFL teams often rave about the value of running backs on rookie contracts. The logic is simple: draft a star in his early 20s, let him run wild while his legs are fresh, and do it all without paying top dollar for a veteran deal.
That’s why the Las Vegas Raiders invested a first-round pick in Ashton Jeanty from Boise State, and why the Los Angeles Chargers did the same with Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina. Both were college workhorses — Jeanty a Heisman runner-up, Hampton a back-to-back ACC rushing leader.
But now that the NFL season is underway, both franchises seem hesitant to turn their rookies loose. Instead, Jeanty and Hampton are stuck in split backfields, leaving fans and bettors wondering: why draft a running back early if you won’t use him like a lead back?
Raiders Turn to Ashton Jeanty but Limit His Role
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The Raiders saw Jeanty’s explosive playmaking at Boise State, where he racked up highlight runs and showed an ability to carry an offense. Many expected him to step into a feature role right away in Las Vegas.
But through two weeks, Jeanty’s touches have been underwhelming. In Monday night’s divisional clash, he posted 11 carries for 43 yards — a respectable average, but hardly the workload of a first-round pick. Even in the two-minute drill before halftime, the Raiders leaned on Dylan Laube, leaving Jeanty watching from the sideline.
This decision raises questions. Was it about pass protection? Was it a coaching trust issue? Whatever the case, the Raiders’ usage suggests they’re easing Jeanty in slowly rather than throwing him into a full RB1 workload.
For bettors, this matters. Until Jeanty gets more snaps in high-leverage situations, his prop betting ceiling remains capped. Still, his talent is evident. A couple of big runs could easily push him over his rushing yard lines, and if he carves out red-zone carries, anytime touchdown props could become sneaky valuable in the coming weeks.
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Why Rookie RBs Are Valuable on Cheap Contracts
So why does this matter? Because NFL front offices rarely spend first-round picks on running backs anymore. The position has been devalued due to injury risks and short career spans. When a team does use a first-rounder on a running back, it’s usually because they plan to ride him hard during his rookie deal.
That’s what makes the Raiders’ and Chargers’ decisions so curious. Jeanty and Hampton should be seen as high-volume backs from the start, maximizing value before they reach free agency.
From a betting standpoint, rookie running backs often present early-season value. Sportsbooks tend to set conservative lines while roles are still undefined, which creates opportunities for sharp bettors who can spot breakout workloads. Right now, though, both Jeanty and Hampton remain mysteries — making them “wait-and-see” plays rather than reliable betting targets.
Can the Raiders and Chargers Unlock Their Rookies?
The future of both rookies depends on two factors: trust and opportunity.
Ashton Jeanty has shown flashes that he’s ready for more. The question is whether the Raiders will trust him in passing situations and critical drives. If they do, his rushing props could become must-watch markets.
Omarion Hampton needs to clean up ball security and prove he can be a dependable chain-mover. Once he earns back his coaches’ confidence, his size and power make him a prime candidate for goal-line carries, which is a goldmine for touchdown props.
For both players, the breakout could come suddenly. A strong primetime performance or a multi-touchdown game would force sportsbooks to adjust quickly, raising betting lines. Smart bettors will monitor usage closely, looking to strike before oddsmakers catch up.
Best Bets to Watch Going Forward
If you’re following these rookies from a betting perspective, here are some angles to consider:
Over rushing attempts props once either rookie is given more than 12–15 carries a game. Early lines may be set too low.
Anytime touchdown props — particularly for Hampton, who could evolve into a goal-line hammer.
Live betting opportunities if Jeanty or Hampton gets hot mid-game and coaches decide to ride the momentum.
The key is patience. Neither rookie has broken out yet, but the talent is undeniable. Once the Raiders and Chargers finally lean into their draft investments, both Jeanty and Hampton could become reliable betting targets week after week.
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The “best” betting site depends on what you value most—odds, bonuses, live betting options, or payment methods. At Willbet, we compare top-rated sites and recommend trusted names with great offers and reputations.
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