Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly shared insights regarding running backs coach Deland McCullough's recommendation for rookie Ashton Jeanty to adjust his backfield stance. Kelly emphasized that he does not provide positional coaching, clarifying, 'I didn't tell anybody on this team to be in any stances.'

Jeanty, who was selected by the Raiders as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, initially discussed the stance alteration during a May 19 appearance on Up & Adams. He recounted a moment from rookie minicamp, where Kelly approached him and asked, 'You ever play basketball?' After confirming his background, Jeanty recalled Kelly's demonstration involving a guarding technique, culminating in the message about the importance of a proper running back stance. Previously, Jeanty had favored a more upright position during his collegiate career at Boise State, where he finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting after an impressive season in 2024, leading the nation with 2,601 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns.

Although Jeanty acknowledged the need to adapt his stance under the guidance of the coaching staff, he expressed a desire to potentially return to his original position in the future. 'I have to earn my stripes and make some plays first, but I don't think it's going to be the end [of the stance],' he noted. Meanwhile, Kelly praised Jeanty's versatility and coachability, expressing confidence in the running back's ability to contribute across different roles within the offense, stating, 'I think he can play in the slot, he can play in the backfield, he can do a lot of different things. He's special.' Jeanty's development could prove crucial for the Raiders, who struggled with the worst rushing attack in the NFL last season.