Running back isn't viewed the same way at the collegiate or professional levels as it used to be. The position is often described as devalued. A rare talent is necessary for a ball-carrier to draw national interest and initiate significant ethusiasm among NFL draft circles.

"First off, Ashton Jeanty? Best player in the country. Next question," Boise State Broncos head coach Spencer Danielson told reporters after last Saturday's game.

The non-Power Four ball-carrier is quickly becoming a torchbearer, not just for his position group, but for a unique draft class where a running back, defensive tackle, safety and hybrid cornerback/wide receiver currently appear to be top-10 locks.

Jeanty is special, hence why he's the first prospect to appear twice among Bleacher Report's weekly trending up list. Once again, the B/R Scouting Department of Brandon Thorn, Cory Giddings, Dame Parson and Matt Holder provided thoughts on who impressed or disappointed coming out of Week 6.

Spoiler alert: It was not a good week to be a mid-to-lower-tier quarterback prospect.

Only two quarterbacks are now entrenched as top-10 options in this week's mock draft (order determined by B/R's power rankings). The Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers look to be moving on from their recent quarterback investments as a result.

Trending Up

1. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty pieced together an efficient first half of work against the Utah State Aggies. The Broncos' primary ball-carrier took the ball 13 times for 186 yards and three touchdowns. He didn't play during the second half.

Jeanty leads the nation with 1,031 rushing yards. Iowa's Kaleb Johnson ranks second, with 260 fewer yards. Jeanty is not a speed demon running through massive running lanes, either. He'd still rank fourth in rushing yardage if only his yards after contact were taken into consideration, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jeanty made people take notice early this season. He's now appearing on the trending up list for the second time, because he's created Heisman Trophy hopes and legitimate top-10 draft pick aspirations.

"No other 2025 NFL draft prospect has improved their stock more Jeanty," Parson said. "Opposing defenses enter their matchups with Boise State knowing that Jeanty will get the football. They still cannot stop him. He neatly presents the best blend of vision, patience and contact balance in the draft. He continues to separate himself from the class with his stellar week-to-week performances."

2. WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka looked like a future first-round pick with 74 receptions for 1,151 yards during the 2022 campaign. Egbuka required tightrope surgery last year that derailed his junior campaign. The wide receiver that showed up Saturday against the Iowa Hawkeyes looked like the 2022 version, with nine catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns.

"Egbuka is healthy and back to making routine plays for the Buckeyes' passing offense," Parson said. "The senior has 70 or more receiving yards in four straight games. Last week, Egbuka performed his best against Iowa, where he displayed his route running, quickness and ability to defeat man coverage to the catch point."

3. DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

Walter Nolen entered the collegiate ranks with significant fanfare, as a 5-star recruit and the 2021 USA Today Defensive Player of the Year. He initially committed to the Texas A&M Aggies, where he played two seasons. But his talent level didn't necessarily reflect his overall performance or production.

Now a member of the Ole Miss Rebels, the defensive lineman's impact is starting to reflect his natural ability.

"Nolen is an intriguing defensive line prospect as he combines size (6'3 and 305 lbs) and strength, with impressive athleticism, to be a well-rounded player at the next level," Holder said. "His skill set was on display last weekend against South Carolina, as he wreaked havoc in the Gamecocks' backfield. The Rebel managed two sacks and three tackles for loss, which should help him shoot up draft boards.

"Even better, he doesn't even turn 21 until next week."

4. Edge Jack Sawyer, Ohio State

Ohio State's Jack Sawyer has been on the NFL draft radar for some time. He entered last season as a preseason first-round possibility. He didn't quite meet expectations and decided to return to Columbus for another season. He's right back in the mix to become an early-round pick.

"Sawyer has been having a good year but flew under the radar with Ohio State's weak schedule to begin the season," Holder said. "He finally faced a formidable opponent last Saturday against Iowa and made everyone take notice by logging 1.5 sacks, including a strip-sack that led to a turnover. The Buckeye has potential as a power-rusher at the next level, and he's a quality run defender to help boost his draft stock."

5. S Craig Woodson, Cal

The California Golden Bears feature a tremendous safety tandem in Nohl Williams and Craig Woodson. The former leads the nation with five interceptions. But his early-season accomplishments shouldn't overshadow the latter's all-around play.

"Woodson has a versatile skill set, combining physicality and coverage ability," Giddings said. "His ability to excel both deep and near the line of scrimmage, along with his aggressive play style, is what drives his success. Additionally, his man-coverage skills, fluid movement and knack for delivering big hits have made him an intriguing prospect.

"With further development, especially in his ball skills, Woodson presents significant upside at the NFL level."

Trending Down

1. QB Miller Moss, USC

USC quarterback Miller Moss entered this season like a shooting star ready to rip through competition. The latest in Riley Lincoln's quarterback factory even made B/R's trending up list after his season-opening performance against the LSU Tigers.

The previous streak across the sky may not be falling down to Earth with his latest effort.

"Moss had been a good revelation for the majority of the year," Parsons said. "Then, Moss provided a disappointing outing against the Minnesota Gophers last weekend. He threw for 200 yards, completing 59 percent of his passes for one touchdown and two interceptions. Moss struggled when Minnesota's defensive pressure got home. He completed only one of eight pass attempts and threw one interception when pressured.

"Moss has thrown all of his four interceptions during the last three games. He must cut back on putting the football into harm's way."

2. WR Squirrel White, Tennessee

Squirrel White stepped in for Cedric Tillman and Jalin Hyatt—both of whom were drafted—to become the Tennessee Volunteers' leading target during the 2023 season. He hasn't built on that previous success.

The junior prospect is currently fourth on the squad with 159 receiving yards.

"White had a good season with over 800 yards receiving despite the erratic Joe Milton at the helm," Parson said. "Through five games this season, White has yet to find and replicate his success. He has eclipsed 50 yards once while averaging 31.8 receiving yards per game. White is on pace for 413 yards receiving. Without a breakout final stretch this season, his stock will continue to drop."

3. QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

Dillion Gabriel feels like he's been part of the collegiate ecosystem for generations. The sixth-year senior is now with this third program. To his credit, he's excelled at every stop. But the problem was never with his ability to perform for college programs. His physical limitations are apparent as part of the Ducks offense.

"Gabriel has shown to be an efficient, quick passer with good mobility/athleticism," Parson said. "The biggest question regarding his game aside from his 5'11" stature has always been raw arm talent.

"The quarterback's performance against the Michigan State Spartans last week highlighted his lackluster arm. He threw two red-zone interceptions and has not met the hype or expectations from the preseason. Being undersized with a mediocre arm isn't a recipe for NFL success."

4. C Logan Jones, Iowa

The Iowa Hawkeyes struggled to establish the point of attack against a talented Ohio State Buckeyes defensive front. As a result, running back Kaleb Johnson didn't really get going. Center Logan Jones is the leader of the offensive line. He failed to spearhead the group.

"Jones experienced an up-and-down day against the Buckeyes' loaded front," Thorn said. "Jones' initial quickness and burst at the snap was on display on numerous reps that allowed him to establish first meaningful contact and get into good initial position on blocks, including when he sprung a TD run. But his lack of girth and play strength caps his ability to keep defensive tackles under control and sustained, leading to him falling off too many blocks.

"The senior prospect also struggled to line up targets at the second level on a couple of climbs, getting to the spot quickly but either overrunning or being too short on his angle and struggling to adjust when the runner had to cut back and divert from his initial path. Jones wins in pass protection using jump sets to get his hands on rushers before they can establish momentum, but there were multiple reps where he was unable to do that and lacked the anchor to prevent getting walked back into the QB.

"Overall, Jones showed off some impressive athletic ability. However, his inability to play with consistent control and sustain hinders his reliability on a snap-to-snap basis."

5. QB Alex Orji, Michigan

The transition from J.J. McCarthy to Alex Orji as the Michigan Wolverines' starting quarterback seemed like a natural progression. Orji has an impressive natural skill set. But he lost the competition heading into the season to a former walk-on, Davis Warren.

Warren proved ineffective. Orji became the starter before being benched in favor of Jack Tuttle.

"In three consecutive starts, Orji never threw for under 100 yards, and his highest total was 86 yards," Parson said. "He is a fantastic athlete with a powerful arm but lacks polish and accuracy from the pocket. Orji will need to try again in 2025, either in Michigan or through the transfer portal, to develop into a respectable quarterback prospect."

10. Indianapolis Colts: CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame

The Indianapolis Colts defense can't get much worse than it already is.

Gus Bradley's unit is the NFL's only group surrendering over 400 yards per game. Yes, injuries to key performers have taken their toll. But Indy's defense hasn't played well from the start.

General manager Chris Ballard better course-correct this offseason, because his stubborn approach to roster-building has been part of the problem.

Ballard failed to significantly invest in his secondary for two years running. He wanted to see the young guys play. That's what happened, and it hasn't gone well. JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones and Nick Cross have impressed at times, but the lack of quality depth currently found among the team's secondary has been exposed.

Another draft pick next offseason may not be the answer. But the addition of a premium talent at cornerback certainly can't hurt.

Benjamin Morrison is already in-state and playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He can immediately step in as a starting outside corner to pair with Brents and start building the type of depth the Colts' secondary clearly lacks. Brents, Morrison, Jones and Kenny Moore II can be a rock-solid quartet.

9. Los Angeles Rams: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State

The Los Angeles Rams are ravaged by injuries, particularly along the offensive line. Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, Joe Noteboom, KT Leveston and Conor McDermott all find themselves on injured reserve.

Matthew Stafford will be 37 next year. His injury history is long. If the Rams want to take full advantage of the remaining two years on his contract, a concerted effort to improve the quarterback's protection should take priority.

As of now, neither Alaric Jackson nor Noteboom is signed beyond this season. Ohio State's Josh Simmons didn't enter this year's campaign as OT1, but he's worked his way into that position.

"In pass protection Simmons has a clean, crisp setup in his flat and angled pass sets with good pad level, active hands and easy redirect skills to protect the corner and remain balanced through the top of the QB's drop," Thorn wrote. "He gets into his anchor on time and is dialed in with his left guard on stunts and games with proper timing and spatial awareness."

8. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

The Las Vegas Raiders will be apoplectic if they find themselves in this position again. They're once again sitting outside of where the top quarterbacks should fall.

The organization could pull the trigger on a prospect who probably shouldn't go this high. Or, it can do the smart thing and look at other avenues to make sure it's not stuck in a spot where it becomes a make-or-break scenario to acquire a young quarterback that may or may not arrive.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty can immediately provide an offensive identity without involving the quarterback position.

Jeanty is a rare running back talent capable of being a top-10 selection. To understand just how special of a runner he is, the following statistic provides context, per Alex Kirshner of Opta Analyst:

"On carries in which the offensive line allows a run disruption–a defender at the point of attack clogging a gap or beating his man, essentially–Jeanty averages 10.7 yards. The national average for running backs on such carries is 2.2 yards. Jeanty is quintupling the typical back in how he performs when a defender blows up a play."

7. New York Giants: S Malaki Starks, Georgia

Watching Xavier McKinney snag an interception in each of his first five games as a member of the Green Bay Packers must be infuriating for New York Giants faithful to see, since McKinney left Big Blue to join the Cheeseheads this past offseason.

To be fair, the safety position shouldn't be a priority for the Giants. Tyler Nubin is a recent second-round draft pick, while Jason Pinnock is a solid performer.

However, Georgia's Malaki Starks is a true playmaker. He's viewed as a top-five overall talent, and his coverage skills are exceptional for the position.

"Starks displays outstanding athleticism and ball skills," Giddings wrote. "His quick feet allow him to transition smoothly in and out of breaks, while his burst enables him to close gaps and drive on the ball effectively. Starks excels in zone coverage, where his awareness and ability to read the quarterback allow him to position himself well in throwing lanes and maintain proper leverage on receivers. His hands are a significant asset, as he consistently demonstrates the ability to catch the ball away from his body, making him a true ball hawk in the secondary."

6. Miami Dolphins: DT Mason Graham, Michigan

Tua Tagovailoa's latest concussion threw the entire Miami Dolphins organization into upheaval. The team lost three straight before pulling off an ugly win against the hapless New England Patriots. But Tagovailoa may be returning to the lineup sooner rather than later.

"There's some expert consultation that he has scheduled for this week," head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Monday, "and then we'll address—the final stages of protocol won't be achieved until we bring him back off IR (injured reserve)."

With Tagovailoa expected back this season, thus remaining the squad's starting quarterback, the Dolphins can concentrate on a different position in the 2025 first round.

The approach should be simple: Take the best available talent.

Michigan's Mason Graham is graded as a top-three prospect by the B/R Scouting Dept. He has the potential to be a difference-maker as both a run defender and interior pass-rusher.

Interestingly, Holder compared Graham to former Dolphins defensive lineman Christian Wilkins. Wilkins left the team this offseason to sign a free-agent deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Graham can provide a similar skill set on a controlled rookie deal over the next five seasons.

5. Tennessee Titans: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

The ups and downs seen from second-year quarterback Will Levis should be expected. The concern is how low those downs can be at times. The Tennessee Titans may go into another offseason not actually knowing what they have at quarterback.

Two paths can be taken from that point. Either the organization decides Levis is not the guy, or it continues to build around him. In this instance, the latter course is taken since the class' top two quarterback prospects are already off the board (more on them in a bit).

Tennessee turns to Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan since DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd are free agents after this season. McMillan is a massive 6'5" target who is a major threat at all three levels. His 17.9 average yards per catch ranks second among receivers with 35 or more receptions.

"NFL offensive coordinators will appreciate his versatility and the litany of ways he can win in their offensive structure," Parson wrote. "He projects as a No. 1 wide receiver who you pepper with a high number of targets per game."

McMillan plus Calvin Ridley should give Levis all the help he needs to succeed.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Will Johnson, Michigan

This pairing between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has become a regular occurrence. The reason is simply yet multifaceted, starting with the fact Jacksonville claims the league's worst pass defense.

Last weekend, the Jaguars allowed a Joe Flacco-led Indianapolis Colts offense to throw for 348 yards and three scores, despite two rookie offensive linemen being forced into lineup, running back Jonathan Taylor not playing and top receiver Michael Pittman Jr. being banged up.

Furthermore, other potential need areas don't exactly fit the Venn diagram for this particular slotting. No offensive tackle is rated high enough by B/R to serve as Cam Robinson's replacement. The Jaguars aren't likely to invest a pick this highly in the quarterback, wide receiver or defensive line positions.

So, Johnson can provide the most immediate impact at a premium position.

"His combination of size, length, physicality and versatility in coverage makes him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme," Giddings wrote. "While he will need to refine his change of direction and reduce his tendency to gamble in coverage, Johnson's ability to disrupt plays both in the air and on the ground gives him a high ceiling."

3. Cleveland Browns: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Deshaun Watson's acquisition currently looks like the worst trade in NFL history. The Cleveland Browns' supposed franchise quarterback appears broken, to the point where Kevin Stefanski's offense is in complete disarray.

Is it all Watson's fault? Of course not. The offensive line has been wrecked by injuries. The wide receivers drop too many passes. Four-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb still isn't in the lineup. Tight end David Njoku just returned from injury last weekend.

Yet Watson looks nothing like the thrower or playmaker previously seen with the Houston Texans. Cleveland could very well do the unthinkable and eat the biggest guaranteed contract in NFL history.

As Spotrac noted, the Browns can convert $44.8 million of Watson's deal into a signing bonus next offseason. They can then designate him a post-June 1 release to spread the future dead-cap hits to $83.1 and $89.6 million over the next two seasons.

The only way to make those massive numbers work is by bringing in a cheap upgrade, either through free agency, trade or the NFL draft.

Colorado's Shedeur Sanders is already far more capable of hitting specific passes that Watson is simply missing this season.

2. Carolina Panthers: QB Cam Ward, Miami

The Carolina Panthers' continued handling of former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young further cements the organization's headway toward a replacement being acquired next offseason.

During Sunday's 36-10 dismantling at the hands of the Chicago Bears, Panthers head coach Dave Canales chose to sit Andy Dalton and play Young late in the fourth quarter.

"It really goes back to just some injuries that we had and really getting Andy out of there, protecting him in that situation, and then giving Bryce a chance to get out there and play football," Canales explained afterward.

Many were stunned by the insinuation that Carolina wanted its veteran quarterback off the field to make Young take any remaining damage.

The offseason can't come soon enough so an organizational reset can occur. In this instance, Miami's Cam Ward serves as B/R's QB1 and brings far more playmaking potential to the position.

"Ward is among the most gifted throwers in the 2025 NFL draft class," Parson wrote in the quarterback's initial scouting report. "The combination of arm talent, mobility/athleticism and accuracy is growing among NFL scouts. ... He has superstar potential if he can cut down on mistakes/risky decisions."

1. New England Patriots: WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

Achievement unlocked: The New England Patriots are finally building toward the organizational endgame by naming Drake Maye their starting quarterback.

This entire season has been built around when Maye should start and how this year's third overall draft pick develops once he does. Everyone internally and externally understands New England's roster limitations.

As such, Maye will likely face an uphill battle. But starting experience now should prove valuable down the road. From there, the Patriots front office can make a concerted effort next offseason to properly build around its new franchise signal-caller.

Of note, peep Travis Hunter's position designation found above. In most cases, he's viewed as a full-time cornerback at the professional level. Regarding the Patriots, Hunter can be a true two-way threat.

New England desperately needs wholesale offensive upgrades. The offensive line is a disaster. The wide receivers don't scare anyone. Tight end Hunter Henry turns 30 later this year. The running backs are fine but not dynamic. Maye will require help.

Despite playing full-time both ways, Hunter still ranks third in receptions (46), eighth in receiving yards (561) and fifth in touchdown catches (six).

In the end, the Patriots simply need talent. Nobody else in this class brings more to the table than Hunter.