The Cleveland Browns have bolstered their ground game by seizing running back Quinshon Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
This hard-nosed standout promises to inject a potent combination of power and vision into their rushing attack. Get ready to witness a physical runner who punishes defenders, consistently breaks tackles, and finds the end zone. But is Judkins the heir apparent the Browns desperately need, and did they strike gold with this high-value pick?
Dive into our analysis of Judkins’ fit, the evolving value of running backs, and the critical need he fills in Cleveland.
The Fit
The Cleveland Browns injected a potent blend of power and vision into their rushing attack by selecting Quinshon Judkins at pick 36. This SEC standout runs with a rare physicality, boasting a densely built frame that frustrates defenders upon contact. Judkins consistently breaks tackles, bulldozes through arm attempts, and churns out extra yardage by driving through piles. His exceptional contact balance allows him to absorb hits and maintain his footing, making him a nightmare to bring down in short yardage and at the second level.
Judkins isn’t just a bruiser; his outstanding vision allows him to identify running lanes with impressive proficiency. He patiently presses the line of scrimmage, navigates through traffic, and consistently finds daylight for significant gains. This keen spatial awareness, combined with his fleet-footed agility, equips him with effective jump-cuts and evasive maneuvers to escape tight situations and make defenders miss in close quarters.
Furthermore, Judkins brings an NFL-ready physicality to every carry and consistently falls forward, maximizing yardage at the end of runs. His nose for the end zone is undeniable, evidenced by his remarkable touchdown efficiency throughout his college career. Beyond his rushing prowess, Judkins demonstrates the toughness and willingness to engage in blitz pickup, adding another valuable dimension to his fit within the Browns’ offensive scheme. This addition promises to create a dynamic and punishing ground game in Cleveland, with or without Nick Chubb in the mix.
The Value
A dominant narrative recently labeled NFL running backs as interchangeable commodities, suggesting teams should avoid significant investments in veteran players when cheaper, younger options could be readily drafted. This viewpoint argued against lucrative second or third contracts due to the position’s physical toll and high injury risk. However, the market appears to be correcting itself, with numerous running backs securing substantial contract extensions this past offseason, signaling a renewed appreciation for their impact.
Against this evolving backdrop, the Cleveland Browns made a bold statement by selecting running back Quinshon Judkins early in the second round, historically a sweet spot for finding high-value talent at the position. This strategic move prioritized a ball carrier over positions like quarterback or wide receiver. Browns fans will vividly recall the last time the team tapped into this early second-round running back honey pot: the selection of Nick Chubb at pick 35 in 2018, a pick that undeniably delivered exceptional value. The question now is whether Judkins can replicate that success and provide a similar return on investment for the Cleveland offense.
The Need
The Cleveland Browns entered the draft facing a glaring necessity: a bell-cow running back. With Nick Chubb’s departure in free agency and his recent history of significant injuries, including back-to-back seasons cut short by a devastating knee injury in 2023 and a broken foot in 2024, the Browns’ running back room dwindled to Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr.
Simply put, Cleveland required a dependable workhorse to shoulder the load and ignite their ground game. Quinshon Judkins steps into this void, bringing the thunder to complement the existing lightning that we have in Ford. While Quinshon has occasional vision issues at the third level of the defense, Judkins’ proven ability to consistently reach that point more than addresses the Browns’ immediate need for a reliable and impactful presence in their backfield.
Pick Grade: B
This pick has the coveted trifecta of speed, sharp vision, and powerful running ability, all wrapped in a compact, NFL-ready frame. Judkins has the hallmark signs to project as a true lead back for the Cleveland Browns.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: NFL draft: Grading the Browns’ pick of Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins
The Cleveland Browns have bolstered their ground game by seizing running back Quinshon Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
This hard-nosed standout promises to inject a potent combination of power and vision into their rushing attack. Get ready to witness a physical runner who punishes defenders, consistently breaks tackles, and finds the end zone. But is Judkins the heir apparent the Browns desperately need, and did they strike gold with this high-value pick?
Dive into our analysis of Judkins’ fit, the evolving value of running backs, and the critical need he fills in Cleveland.
The Fit
The Cleveland Browns injected a potent blend of power and vision into their rushing attack by selecting Quinshon Judkins at pick 36. This SEC standout runs with a rare physicality, boasting a densely built frame that frustrates defenders upon contact. Judkins consistently breaks tackles, bulldozes through arm attempts, and churns out extra yardage by driving through piles. His exceptional contact balance allows him to absorb hits and maintain his footing, making him a nightmare to bring down in short yardage and at the second level.
Judkins isn’t just a bruiser; his outstanding vision allows him to identify running lanes with impressive proficiency. He patiently presses the line of scrimmage, navigates through traffic, and consistently finds daylight for significant gains. This keen spatial awareness, combined with his fleet-footed agility, equips him with effective jump-cuts and evasive maneuvers to escape tight situations and make defenders miss in close quarters.
Furthermore, Judkins brings an NFL-ready physicality to every carry and consistently falls forward, maximizing yardage at the end of runs. His nose for the end zone is undeniable, evidenced by his remarkable touchdown efficiency throughout his college career. Beyond his rushing prowess, Judkins demonstrates the toughness and willingness to engage in blitz pickup, adding another valuable dimension to his fit within the Browns’ offensive scheme. This addition promises to create a dynamic and punishing ground game in Cleveland, with or without Nick Chubb in the mix.
The Value
A dominant narrative recently labeled NFL running backs as interchangeable commodities, suggesting teams should avoid significant investments in veteran players when cheaper, younger options could be readily drafted. This viewpoint argued against lucrative second or third contracts due to the position’s physical toll and high injury risk. However, the market appears to be correcting itself, with numerous running backs securing substantial contract extensions this past offseason, signaling a renewed appreciation for their impact.
Against this evolving backdrop, the Cleveland Browns made a bold statement by selecting running back Quinshon Judkins early in the second round, historically a sweet spot for finding high-value talent at the position. This strategic move prioritized a ball carrier over positions like quarterback or wide receiver. Browns fans will vividly recall the last time the team tapped into this early second-round running back honey pot: the selection of Nick Chubb at pick 35 in 2018, a pick that undeniably delivered exceptional value. The question now is whether Judkins can replicate that success and provide a similar return on investment for the Cleveland offense.
The Need
The Cleveland Browns entered the draft facing a glaring necessity: a bell-cow running back. With Nick Chubb’s departure in free agency and his recent history of significant injuries, including back-to-back seasons cut short by a devastating knee injury in 2023 and a broken foot in 2024, the Browns’ running back room dwindled to Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr.
Simply put, Cleveland required a dependable workhorse to shoulder the load and ignite their ground game. Quinshon Judkins steps into this void, bringing the thunder to complement the existing lightning that we have in Ford. While Quinshon has occasional vision issues at the third level of the defense, Judkins’ proven ability to consistently reach that point more than addresses the Browns’ immediate need for a reliable and impactful presence in their backfield.
Pick Grade: B
This pick has the coveted trifecta of speed, sharp vision, and powerful running ability, all wrapped in a compact, NFL-ready frame. Judkins has the hallmark signs to project as a true lead back for the Cleveland Browns.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: NFL draft: Grading the Browns’ pick of Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins
