The Las Vegas Raiders selected running back Ashton Jeanty with the 6th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, expecting him to transform their struggling ground game. However, the rookie has yet to make a significant impact on the field. The slow start has predictably drawn criticism from fans and analysts questioning whether Jeanty can live up to his draft position. Criticism has been high and varied for the running back.

One of the critics is ESPN’s very own Ryan Clark. And Clark came down heavy on Jenty. Clark shared some tough words for the player. “The explosion, the lateral quickness… I don’t see that from Ashton Jeanty. I didn’t see that from him at Boise… to me, I think you get into [training] camp and you realize this might not have been the pick,” he said, and even went on as far as to claim that the Raiders made the wrong decision to pick a player who doesn’t have the “IT” factor.

And it’s safe to say fans didn’t take his comments lightly. Some even demanded he leave ESPN. “Just because you played in the league, it doesn’t mean you’re not an idiot,” one fan shared the Jim Halpert meme to troll the former player.

While Jeanty hasn’t suffered a complete disaster to start his rookie campaign, he also hasn’t delivered the explosive performances expected from a top-six pick. His Week 1 debut against New England showed concerning efficiency with 19 carries for just 38 yards, averaging 2.0 yards per carry despite finding the end zone once with a long run of nine yards.

Against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jeanty showed marginal progress without reaching the end zone. He gained 43 yards on the ground with an improved 3.9 yards per carry average, suggesting some adaptation to NFL speed and blocking schemes. On one passing play, Jeanty got pushed back by a defender and appeared to completely give up, leaving quarterback Geno Smith exposed and getting hit hard.

Former NFL player Clay Harbor didn’t hold back. “Ashton Jeanty casually letting his QB get rocked,” he wrote. “He’s not looking good in pass pro.”  This could just be a minor bump in the road for the rookie. Perhaps that is how fans hope to see the situation, and the reason why many seemed to disagree with Clark.

Ryan Clark lands in hot water for comments on Ashton Jeanty

“Ashton’s last season at Boise State, he had more yards after contact than any other RB had yards period, but sure, no explosiveness lol,” one fan wrote. He rushed for 159 yards on 32 carries and scored three touchdowns, boosting his season total to 1,893 yards over 10 games. In doing so, he surpassed the school record previously held by Jay Ajayi. So, fans’ faith in the player is understandable.

Another wrote, “He had a very similar take like this from years ago about a player. Can anyone guess what happened? RC apologized for being an idiot.” And the person may have hinted at an old incident when Clark criticized his colleague Peter Schrager for offering his opinion as a “non-player.”  He later apologised for the incident.

And this isn’t even the first time for the Clark to get criticized for his harsh take on players. Just a few days ago, he criticized quarterback Justin Herbert for not being skilled enough. After Herbert’s performance victory against the Chiefs, Clark was quick to change his tune.

However, wide receiver Ladd McConkey seemingly took a shot at those who didn’t have faith in Herbert, and that likely includes Clark. “Get him off of TV. He’s horrible! He doesn’t have the IT factor at commentary,” another netizen wrote on X, demanding the Clarks’ removal. There are several more incidents.

Back in 2023, he criticised Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa for being out of shape. After facing backlash, Clark apologized, explaining that he never intended to question Tua’s work ethic. Some even seemed frustrated over the coverage. “Gets hit behind the line of scrimmage every play and leads the league in forced missed tackle rate. This is why ESPN is unwatchable,” one said, praising Jeanty’s skill in evading tackles despite facing constant pressure behind the line. This wasn’t a demand from the netizens for the network to fire Clark.

Many appeared frustrated over the similar incidents. And as for Jeanty, the answer is for him to prove himself.