Browns View Quinshon Judkins As A Potential Bell-Cow Back
The Cleveland Browns think very highly of running back Quinshon Judkins' potential at the next level after selecting him at No. 36 overall in the second round of the NFL draft last Friday. "Not necessarily saying that he's going to, with certainty, develop into one of those players, we certainly hope that's the case, but we think that he can be a bell cow runner that can really carry the load for us," general manager Andrew Berry said. The Browns' quarterback situation in 2025 could hold Judkins and the rest of their offense back, but it doesn't change the fact that the 21-year-old rookie has a real chance to be the team's RB1 over Jerome Ford sooner than later. It's unclear exactly how Judkins and Ford will coexist in this backfield, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said they want to use Judkins "in a bunch of different ways." Judkins will be more valuable in standard-scoring formats, but his explosiveness and three-down ability will make him an interesting sleeper at the RB position in 2025.
Browns Add Quinshon Judkins To Backfield With 36th Pick
The Cleveland Browns selected Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This was Cleveland's third selection of the draft, but the first they spent on an offensive player. Judkins is no stranger to the state of Ohio after spending his final collegiate season with the Buckeyes. As a senior, he totaled 1,060 rushing yards, 161 receiving yards, and 16 total touchdowns. The Browns hope Judkins can step up as their next franchise running back after a brief period of inconsistency at the position. Nick Chubb was previously the go-to running back in Cleveland, but he was never the same after his brutal knee injury in 2023. Chubb is currently a free agent, and the Browns entered the draft with a backfield featuring Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. Look for Kevin Stefanski to get Judkins involved right away, even if Ford and Strong remain involved to open the season.
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins is leaving school early and declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Judkins just completed his junior season at Ohio State. Judkins shared the backfield with senior TreVeyon Henderson during their championship season. Judkins ran for 1,060 yards on 194 attempts, while Henderson saw a slightly less workload with 144 attempts. Judkins found the back of the end zone 16 times. He led the way in the National Championship game over Notre Dame, scoring three times and adding 121 total yards. Judkins played his first two seasons of college football with Ole Miss. Across three seasons, the 21-year-old averaged 5.1 yards per carry, totaling 3,785 rushing yards with 50 total TDs. Judkins is projected to be one of the first running backs selected on draft day.
Quinshon Judkins
• RB
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Browns
