Former Browns QB Raves: Quinshon Judkins Perfect Fit for Cleveland's Backfield

On Friday, the Cleveland Browns bolstered their backfield by drafting a versatile talent, choosing Ohio State’s running back Quinshon Judkins with the 36th overall selection in the 2025 draft. NFL Draft Judkins, recognized for his combination of strength, foresight, and sprinting ability, perfectly fits into head coach Kevin Stefanski’s zone-running strategy.

Judkins, with a height of 6 feet and weight of 219 pounds, stood as an imposing figure. NFL During his college years, he demonstrated a remarkable talent for making defenders miss tackles even as he ran through physical contact.

Robert Griffin III Praises Browns for Selecting Quinshon Judkins

Robert Griffin III backed the selection with X, stating, "Quinshon Judkins is exactly what Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns' zone-running system needs. He’s capable of being an authoritative downhill runner who also demonstrates the potential to score from anywhere on the field. Whether he outruns defenders, breaks tackles, or leaves opponents grasping at air, I’m thrilled about this match."

In 2016, Griffin had a brief tenure with the Browns. During his last year at Baylor, he claimed the Heisman trophy after passing for almost 4,300 yards and scoring 37 touchdowns through the air, along with accumulating 699 rushing yards and 10 more scores on the ground. Initially selected second overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins (from which he played from 2012 to 2015), Griffin later moved on to play for the Cleveland Browns in 2016 before concluding his professional journey with the Baltimore Ravens between 2018 and 2020.

The Browns are anticipated to refocus on their wide-zone rushing strategy following a letdown in the 2024 season where the offense failed to establish a clear direction. In previous successful seasons under Stefanski, the team thrived when they emphasized the running game, complemented by well-timed play-action passes.

Evaluating this year’s draft proved challenging, particularly when distinguishing between Ohio State’s dual-back duo. While Judkins often ranked as the secondary choice after TreVeyon Henderson on various lists, he continued to be considered a solid pick for the earlier rounds.

In 2024, Judkins moved to Ohio State where he contributed to the team’s victory in the BCS national championship alongside Henderson, even though they shared rushing duties. Although his output decreased slightly, talent evaluators still see significant promise in him.

Standing at 6'0" and weighing 221 pounds, Judkins possesses extraordinary energy levels paired with a distinctive running style characterized as a "short strider." His exceptional ability to accelerate rapidly through openings combined with blazing speed makes him stand out. While he may struggle to improvise once plays deviate from their planned course, when everything unfolds according to plan, Judkins transforms into an incredibly dynamic force—akin to a finely honed blade slicing swiftly—with sharp instincts and swift movements propelling him forward.

Judkins' abilities match exactly with what Stefanski aims to achieve—slamming home runs, tiring out defenders, and keeping defensive units wary. Given the team’s current blocking-oriented offensive line, the Browns anticipate that Judkins will assist them in restoring the offensive equilibrium that powered their earlier postseason successes.