Judkins Set to Explode: Browns Rookie RB Stacked for Breakout Season

After a productive college career split between Ole Miss and Ohio State, Quinshon Judkins enters the NFL as a dynamic, versatile back with a nose for the end zone. With Nick Chubb out of the picture and Deshaun Watson’s outlook shaky, Judkins could become the focal point of the Cleveland Browns' offense as early as Week 1.

Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns

Judkins has almost the identical build (6’0” and 220 lbs.) as Omarion Hampson, with a tick lower rating in the 40-yard dash (4.48). His career began at Ole Miss in 2022, resulting in two high-volume touch seasons (289 and 293). His best output over this span came in his freshman campaign (274/1,567/16 with 15 catches for 132 yards and one touchdown). His running lanes were much smaller the following year (4.3 yards per rush and 6.8 yards per catch), but Judkins still scored 17 times.

His decision to transfer to Ohio State in 2024 led to a national title while settling for a split role with TreVeyon Henderson. He finished with 1,221 combined yards with 16 touchdowns and 22 catches on 216 touches. The Buckeyes gave him over 15 carries in one game (17/85). Judkins rushed for 100 yards in three matchups (9/108/2, 14/173/2, and 11/100/2). He’s scored two touchdowns or more in 16 games in his career. 

In the heat of his runs, Judkins is willing to bounce outside with an attitude when making contact, and he uses a stiff arm to shove oncoming tacklers to the ground. His game plays well on the interior when there is daylight for a big play, but Judkins is comfortable taking a parallel cut-back lane to a better opportunity. His pass protection grades well while picking up 59 catches for 442 yards and five touchdowns in college. 

Quinshon Judkins Fantasy Football Outlook

Judkins falls into a very good running back opportunity in his rookie season. The Browns should treat him as a younger version of Nick Chubb with more value on passing downs. Cleveland will rotate in Jerome Ford, but their team structure and expected quarterback play suggest a rebound in running back chances. 

My starting point for him is 275 touches, leading to 1,300 yards with double-digit scores and about 25 catches. Judkins is the 27th running back drafted currently, making him an excellent value based on my outlook. Over the past two seasons, a Browns running back ranked 6th (282.40) and 16th (212.40) in running back scoring in PPR formats.