The Cleveland Browns have chosen running back Quinshon Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Assistant General Manager Glenn Cook praised Judkins, saying he embodies the tough style of play the team values in the AFC North. “He’s strong and physical—a true three-down back,” Cook noted. “Our running backs coach, Duce Staley, is really excited to work with him.”
Judkins began his college career at Ole Miss, where his performance was impressive. He had 545 carries for 2,725 rushing yards and scored 31 touchdowns over two seasons. In his freshman year, he led the SEC with 274 carries, 1,567 rushing yards, and 16 touchdowns. His ability to perform at a high level in college set a strong foundation for his future.
In 2024, Judkins transferred to Ohio State, continuing to shine with 194 carries for 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He also made 22 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Reflecting on his experiences in both the SEC and Big Ten, Judkins expressed that competing in these challenging conferences helped him grow as a player. “Each league has its own style, and playing in both has pushed me to excel,” he said.
Now joining the Browns, Judkins adds depth to a running back team that includes Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. This is vital, especially as RB Nick Chubb heads into free agency. The Browns struggled last season, averaging just 94.6 rushing yards per game, which ranked 29th in the league. By adding Judkins, they hope to revive their ground game and utilize their backs more effectively.
Judkins describes his playing style as physical and versatile. He can run outside the tackles, play in the slot, and take on linebackers in one-on-one situations. “I bring a passion and grit that you can’t teach,” he said. He’s eager to prove himself in this offense, which he believes is a perfect fit for his talents.
As the draft approaches, the Browns are clearly focused on upgrading key positions to improve their overall performance. With Judkins’ unique skills and solid college background, fans have reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season.
For fans interested in expert assessments, recent statistics from the NFL show that teams with strong running games are 30% more likely to make the playoffs, underscoring the importance of a solid run game. Adding a player like Judkins could be a game-changer for the Browns.
For more insights on player performance trends in the NFL, check out [this report by the NFL](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-trends-report-2023).
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