The Chicago Bears will need to compete with the rest of the NFL if they want to use a Day 2 draft pick on what is quickly becoming an extremely impressive running back class. The Ohio State Buckeyes could produce two different standout players at the position in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
While Henderson came alive after establishing himself as a big play threat, Judkins made himself known as a throwback runner who is looking to deliver a blow to anyone foolish enough to make a tackle attempt against him. Both of them will hear their name called in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Judkins could rise by the time the Draft comes around due to his crowd-pleasing style and willingness to cause havoc as a ball-carrier will get NFL teams interested in his services.
Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 219
- 3-star recruit, No. 562 overall (No. 46 RB)
- 2x All-SEC (Ole Miss transfer)
Positives
- Violent runner who seeks out contact and will deliver a vicious blow when the defender gets there, Will almost always break a tackle if he gets into open space.
- Good initial burst at the line of scrimmage, does not take long to get to top speed.
- Good vision for a ball carrier, knows when to hit the holes and is willing to be patient as holes develop
- Consistent performer, three straight seasons of 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns despite splitting carries
Judkins will please fans who want to see a physical running back that wants to lower the boom on opposing defenders. Not only can he hit the line with such splintering force that breaking tackles is second nature, but he has shown more lateral wiggle with the Buckeyes this year than he did at Ole Miss.
More than just a one-cut plowhorse, Judkins' sharp initial burst at the line will serve him well in the pros. If Judkins can keep evolving as a pass-catcher during his rookie season, he could go from a trusted short-yardage option to a complete back who eventually earns a starting role.
Negatives
- Average as a receiver out of the backfield, may limit his appeal to teams unwilling to give him a big load of carries as a rookie
- Work in progress as a blocker, looked worse in that area when compared to Henderson
- Lacks great long speed, may put a cap on his potential as a big play threat
Judkins is not going to be an amazing receiver or blocker at the next level right away, so production during his rookie year may be limited to just carrying the ball. As a blocker, he is below par in that area, and he may take a while to improve that part of his game.
Judkins' most noticeable flaw, especially when compared to Henderson, is his lack of amazing breakaway speed. As such, teams are wondering if he will eventually become a big play threat or remain a bowling ball at his best in short yardage situations.
Quinshon Judkins NFL Player Comparison: Isiah Pacheco
Judkins and Pacheco run with reckless abandon, though Judkins could be an even better version due to his bigger frame and more productive collegiate career. The right scheme will be important.
Quinshon Judkins 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Late 2nd/Early 3rd
The NFL Combine will be very important for Judkins, as he can put to rest questions about his lack of overall speed. Even if he doesn't, he will attract some serious NFL interest, as there are very few players in this draft who run as aggresively as he does.