Running backs are no longer a Round 1 lock, with 2024 being the latest year that no back went off the board in the first round. However, Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins is one of the prospects with a legitimate chance to change that in 2025.
We take a look below at Judkins’ 2024 season stats, his projected landing spot in our 2025 NFL Mock Draft, and more.
Where Did Judkins Land in Our Most Recent NFL Mock Draft?
In the latest mock draft from Pro Football Network NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Judkins was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 26th overall pick, making him the second running back off the board after Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
Here’s what Cummings had to say about Judkins’ fit in Dallas:
“If anything, the 2024 season has proved that running back does, in fact, matter to a degree. And the Cowboys neglected that fact. They can remedy this by adding Quinshon Judkins — an almost 220-pound carving knife with sharp eyes and blistering speed.”
Judkins’ Best Landing Spots in the NFL
Several NFL teams could use Judkins to lead their backfield. These are the best fits near the end of Round 1:
Dallas Cowboys
This was Judkins’ projection in Cummings’ mock, and the Cowboys will be a popular destination for running backs in mock drafts all offseason. Both Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott are free agents this summer, which could make for a totally revamped backfield.
Given that Dallas is passing at its highest rate since drafting Dak Prescott in 2016, it’s reasonable to believe they may want to shuffle the running back personnel and provide Prescott and the passing game more support in 2025.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have leaned into the ground game as a focal point of their offensive identity for years, dating back to the end of Ben Roethlisberger’s career. However, Najee Harris is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, while Jaylen Warren will be due a raise as a restricted free agent.
Depending on how Pittsburgh allocates its resources at quarterback, it may be necessary to go the cost-controlled route at running back. Enter Judkins, who could boost a backfield that has seen flagging efficiency from Harris this season.
Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones has been productive in his first season with the Minnesota Vikings but will hit free agency at north of 30 years old. That’s always a dangerous combination for running backs, which means the Vikings may need to dip back into the NFL Draft to refresh their backfield personnel.
The Vikings are a fairly clean team momentarily regarding draft needs, though that could change in free agency (their top three cornerbacks are all free agents). If Minnesota can retain the majority of its veteran personnel, a dynamic runner like Jenkins could be an important boost to the quarterback’s supporting cast (particularly if Sam Darnold is back for another year).
Judkins’ Scouting Report
Here’s a preview of Judkins’ scouting report from Cummings:
“In a stacked RB class, Judkins is one of the best the group has to offer.
“To be as productive as Judkins has been through the first two years of his collegiate career, there has to be something special about his game. For Judkins, that special trait amalgam is his explosive burst, energetic acceleration, and smooth throttle freedom.
“Judkins is an incredibly energized mover. His linear acceleration enables him to capitalize on fleeting gaps, and his swift, sudden one-cut ability allows him to offset defenders and sustain acceleration through cuts.
“Past his mobility profile, Judkins is an exceedingly physical runner who plays beyond his frame and finishes forward with urgent leg churn.
“Right now, the main issue keeping Judkins from fielding Round 1 consideration is his inconclusive passing down utility. He has room to improve as a pass blocker, and while his RAC profile is promising, his overall receiving profile is not yet. Sharing reps with TreVeyon Henderson in 2024 might not help with development in that realm.”
Quinshon Judkins’ 2024 Season Stats and Game Breakdowns
Judkins was one of Ohio State’s key transfer portal acquisitions in the offseason and has paired with senior and fellow NFL Draft prospect TreVeyon Henderson to form a dynamic backfield in Columbus, Ohio. Here are his 2024 stats to date:
Rush Yards: 491
Rush TD: 6
Yards Per Rush: 6.9
Rush Yards Per Game: 81.8
Receptions: 7
Receiving Yards: 67
When Is Judkins Playing Next?
Judkins and the Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are the Power Four team with the longest bowl drought, but they are now one win away from postseason play. Their reward? Dates with the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers and the 5-1 Ohio State Buckeyes. After being blown out in their first attempt to reach six wins, can the Cornhuskers rebound to upset the Buckeyes?