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Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images

NFL Draft intel: Is Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty an ideal target for NFC East team?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Dec 26, 2024 3:52 PM ET

Each week, Yardbarker is monitoring the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay.

From Boise State's elite running back to Michigan's star defensive tackle, here are five players we are tracking:

Should this NFC East team target Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty?

The Athletic's Jon Machota and Dane Brugler recently listed Jeanty (5-foot-9, 215 pounds) as a prospect who would make sense for the Dallas Cowboys in the first round.

"I think you could make an argument that after [Colorado WR/CB] Travis Hunter, Jeanty is the best player in the draft," wrote Brugler. "If he's still on the board for the Cowboys, I think he would be tough to pass up."

RB is one of Dallas' biggest needs. The Cowboys (7-8) rank 28th in the league in rushing yards (95.2). Why wouldn't they draft an RB who could break the FBS record for rushing yards in a season?

Jeanty needs 132 rushing yards to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer/former Oklahoma State star Barry Sanders' season rushing record (2,628 yards in 11 games in 1988).

But hitting that number against Penn State's seventh-ranked run defense (100.4 YPG) in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal on New Year's Eve at 7:30 p.m. ET will be challenging.

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe must make the most of his bowl game

Milroe will play against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Eve at 12 p.m. ET. 247 Sports' Alex Scarborough recently reported the QB plans to declare for the draft.

Milroe may need an excellent performance to improve his grade. In Tankathon's latest mock draft, the Cleveland Browns (3-12) take him with pick No. 36.

"His ball placement has been erratic, he has airmailed deep throws and he put too much zip on downfield passes at other times this year," wrote ESPN's Steve Muench recently. "So getting into an early rhythm is going to be important in this bowl game."

Despite the concerns, Milroe (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) has produced solid numbers. In 12 starts, he has 3,371 yards (2,652 passing and 719 rushing) and 35 touchdowns (15 passing and 20 rushing).

Texas RB Jaydon Blue gained momentum with superb CFP performance

In a 38-24 win over Clemson in the first round of the CFP, Blue had 14 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns, including a 77-yarder in the fourth quarter.

JAYDON BLUE, HOW DO YOU DO?!?!

A 77-YARD TOUCHDOWN TO MAKE IT A TWO-SCORE GAME VS. CLEMSON pic.twitter.com/cCzmh6V5W2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 22, 2024

"With a terrific first step and acceleration, Blue is one of the most dangerous ball-carriers eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft," wrote The 33rd Team's Ian Valentino in his recent stock report. "Just a junior, Blue can carve out an argument to be a top-100 pick despite the setbacks."

Through 13 games, Blue has 710 yards and eight TDs on 126 carries. However, he also has four fumbles. losing three.

He should generate more buzz if he showcases better ball security throughout the CFP. No. 5 seed Texas (12-2) will face No. 4 seed Arizona State (11-2) in the quarterfinal on New Year's Day at 1 p.m. ET.

Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor may have skills WR-needy teams covet

Ayomanor (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) recently declared for the draft. In an interview with The Draft Network's Justin Melo, the Alberta, Canada native explained how he uses his size and speed to beat DBs.

"I think it's a little bit of everything that allows my skill set to catch [DBs] off guard," Ayomanor said. "My speed and combination to shut it down and change direction at the top of routes that makes me a tough assignment in coverage."

In 12 games, Ayomanor led Stanford (3-9) in receptions (63), receiving yards (831) and tied for first in TD catches (six). In Tankathon's mock draft, the Carolina Panthers (4-11) select him with pick No. 54.

Michigan DT Kenneth Grant is a potential first-rounder

On Thursday, Grant declared for the draft and confirmed he will skip the ReliaQuest Bowl. On his updated Big Board, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. rated him his No. 4 DT.

"Grant started only five games before this season, which means 2024 has been huge for his draft stock," wrote Kiper. "Considering his size, he has terrific athletic traits and explosion. His instincts stand out, too — he's an extremely alert football player."

Grant (6-foot-3, 339 pounds) earned a third-team All-American nod after recording seven tackles for loss and three sacks in 12 games. In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson has the Arizona Cardinals (7-8) selecting him with pick No. 16.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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