Quinshon

Judkins

Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Ford was set to earn up to $3.4 million in 2025. Now, the fourth-year vet will get a guaranteed $1.75 million this season and likely has his roster spot secured for the year. Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot points out the signing likely spells the end for Nick Chubb’s time with the Browns. In addition to Ford, the Browns also have rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson on the roster, who have a chance to emerge as the team’s top two backs this season. Chubb recently posted a workout video online, likely to generate interest after remaining unsigned through the NFL Draft, but any hope of a return to Cleveland seem over. The 29-year-old struggled last season after returning from a devastating knee injury that ended his 2023 campaign, rushing 102 times for 332 yards and three scores while averaging a career-worst 3.3 YPC. Chubb may need to settle for a one-year team-friendly deal if he hopes to play anywhere in 2025.

While this isn’t exactly a surprising statement given they selected him 36th overall, it’s still worth pointing out that Judkins has landed in a backfield where he’ll only have to beat out Jerome Ford for playing time. Cleveland’s projected offensive ineptitude could lead Judkins to be available at a bargain price in fantasy drafts, and he may be a potential lightning rod selection for Zero or Hero RB formats this summer. Kevin Stefanski added that they want to use Judkins in “a bunch of different ways” and downplayed the idea that he wasn’t ready to be part of the passing game. Ford could be a third-down back for the team this season if Judkins isn’t ready for that role.

Originally recruited to Ole Miss, Judkins (6’/221) was inarguably the best freshman running back in the country in 2022. He totaled 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns on 274 carries, all of which ranked top 10 in the country. Judkins’ efficiency plummeted from 5.7 yards per carry to 4.3 in his sophomore season. He ran for 1,158 yards on a nearly identical workload and scored one fewer touchdown. Looking for a power complement to TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State lured Judkins away from Ole Miss ahead of their 2024 National Championship season. Splitting the backfield with another future NFL running back, Judkins only rushed 194 times, but his efficiency rebounded and he went for 1,060 yards and 14 scores. Judkins is a serviceable pass-catcher but nothing more, having caught 22 passes in each of his final two seasons. The former Buckeye was a physical and consistent runner in college, but scouts were quick to point out his lack of top-end speed. Judkins showed that he has home run potential at the combine with a 4.48 Forty and elite burst measurables. He left Indy with a 9.87 RAS. Though the tape didn’t match the measurables, a rushing scheme designed to get Judkins running downhill could get more out of him in the pros. Judkins has the build and the pedigree of a long-term workhorse at the next level. Judkins arrives in an undermanned Browns backfield with also-rans Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong as his only touch competition. Touches, and quite likely the starting job, will be his for the taking this summer. He profiles as an RB2/3 who could quickly become an every-week fantasy starter.

Judkins’ visit with the Bengals comes after a recent meeting with the Texans ahead of the 2025 draft. He’s also slated to meet with the Broncos. The explosive Judkins racked up nearly 4,000 rushing yards and 45 rushing scores over three collegiate seasons, the final two with Ohio State. He added another five touchdowns on 59 career receptions at Ohio State and Ole Miss. There are some major holes in Judkins’ profile: In 2024 he finished 170th out of 190 qualifying running backs in rush yards after contact per carry and his yards per route run ranked 79th. He could complicate things for Chase Brown if the Bengals take him in the draft. Cincinnati holds the 17th and 49th picks in the draft’s first two rounds.

Judkins (5'11/200) officially committed to Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss earlier today, after turning down offers from Notre Dame, Arkansas, Auburn and Florida, among several other high-profile programs. Per 247Sports.com, Judkins, of Pike Road, Alabama, is the 25th ranked running back in the state, and the 45th ranked running back in the nation for the 2022 class. Last season, for Pike Road High School, Judkins rushed 150 times for 1,482 yards and 25 touchdowns. Through two games this season he has logged 29 carries for 240 yards and five touchdowns.