One of the top five running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Quinshon Judkins didn’t hear his name on the opening day of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton were the only running backs drafted on Day 1, and with plenty of teams still in need of upgrading their backfield, Judkins could hear his name anywhere between Day 2 and Day 3.
Top Potential Landing Spots For Quinshon Judkins
Judkins rode his historic early production with Ole Miss Rebels to an opportunity with the Buckeyes in 2024, and he was able to win a BCS National Championship while sharing touches with TreVeyon Henderson. His production dipped, but his projection remains tantalizing for 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’ dense frame enables him to churn out yards after contact, showcasing a physical edge that keeps him among the nation’s top rushers, even if he’s less dynamic than he was in his freshman year.
So, which teams could make a move on him heading into Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft?
Chicago Bears
After a trench-heavy approach to the offseason, Chicago was potentially considering drafting a running back early. But Ashton Jeanty was off the board before it was the Bears’ turn to pick at No. 10 overall, and Chicago could now pivot to Judkins either at No. 39 or No. 41 overall. This would give Ben Johnson a talented backfield duo alongside D’Andre Swift, similar to what he had in Detroit.
Judkins would be a strong addition to the Bears’ backfield, as he has the ball-carrier vision and big-play speed to make him a threat just about any time he touches the ball.
Washington Commanders
The commanders don’t have a massive need for running back, per se, but with that position also not being a strength, they could take advantage of a talented draft class.
Henderson would also relieve some pressure off Jayden Daniels. At 6’0″, 221 pounds, he’s fast, explosive, and physical, but he’s also unnaturally smooth and surgical at cutting through interior gaps.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs already have Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt in their backfield and could look to add explosiveness in the form of Judkins. He excels with an explosive first step and a thunderous running style that punishes defenders and forces missed tackles. Though his vision isn’t elite, his patient approach and power make him a consistent threat.
