Even before Ashton Jeanty plays a snap in the NFL, he is going to be the second-highest-paid running back in the league when he signs his rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Per NFL cap expert Andrew Brandt, Jeanty's rookie deal as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft will contain approximately $32 million in guaranteed money.

The Las Vegas Raiders have been busy this offseason, and that continued in the 2025 NFL draft, where they brought in a new crop of players who they are hoping will be pillars for the franchise moving forward. The best of the bunch is running back Ashton Jeanty, whom the team selected with the No. 6 overall pick of the draft.

Following Jeanty and Ward, the next betting favorite for the award is Travis Hunter (+700), the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and new Jacksonville Jaguar. Hunter, who edged Jeanty for the Heisman, is also among the top five for the 2025 NFL defensive rookie of the year award, but his odds are slimmer on that side of the ball.