The Cleveland Browns added a dynamic weapon to their backfield Friday, selecting Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Judkins, known for his blend of power, vision, and breakaway speed, is ideal for head coach Kevin Stefanski’s zone running scheme.
Judkins, who measured 6 feet and 219 pounds at the NFL Combine, showcased a rare ability to make defenders miss while running through contact during his collegiate career.
Robert Griffin III Shouts Out Browns Selection of Quinshon Judkins
Robert Griffin III supported the pick on X, saying, “Quinshon Judkins is the perfect back for Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns’ zone running scheme. He can be a one-cut, downhill back who has showcased the ability to hit the home run. He can run past you, run through you, or shake you out of your shoes. LOVE the fit.”
Quinshon Judkins is the perfect back for Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns’ zone running scheme. He can be a one cut, down hill back who has showcased the ability to hit the home run. He can run past you, run through you or shake you out of your shoes. LOVE the fit.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII)
Griffin played for the Browns briefly in 2016. He won the Heisman in his final season at Baylor, and he threw for nearly 4,300 yards and 37 TDs while rushing for 699 yards and 10 scores. He was drafted in 2012 as No. 2 overall by the Washington Redskins (2012–2015). He took a stint with the Cleveland Browns (2016) and ended his career at the Baltimore Ravens (2018–2020).
The Browns are expected to recommit to their wide-zone rushing attack after a disappointing 2024 season, when the offense struggled to find its identity. Stefanski’s most successful years in Cleveland have come when the team leaned heavily on the run game, pairing it with timely play-action passes.
One of the trickiest evaluations in this year’s draft was separating the two-headed backfield tandem at Ohio State. Judkins came in as the second option behind TreVeyon Henderson on many boards, but he was still viewed as a strong early-round talent.
Judkins transferred to Ohio State in 2024 and helped the Buckeyes win a BCS national championship, despite splitting carries with Henderson. While his production dipped, his potential remains high in the eyes of scouts.
At 6’0″, 221 pounds, Judkins is a hyper-energetic, short-strider with elite burst and searing speed through gaps. He’s not an adept creator when things go off-script, but when things are on schedule, he’s a super-charged carving knife with his keen vision and quick pace.
Judkins’ skill set aligns perfectly with what Stefanski wants to do—hit home runs, wear down defenses, and keep defenses honest. With a zone-blocking offensive line already in place, the Browns hope Judkins can help them regain the offensive balance that fueled their previous playoff runs.
