Quinshon Judkins: A Potential NFL Star and the Teams That Could Draft Him
Quinshon Judkins, the dynamic running back from Ohio State, has declared for the 2025 NFL draft after a stellar two-season stint with the Buckeyes. His announcement has sent ripples of excitement through the NFL, with several teams eyeing him as a potential solution to their running back woes. Judkins played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s national championship run, showcasing his impressive blend of size, strength, and receiving ability. His 1,060 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns underscore his potential to be a productive force at the professional level. His declaration has ignited speculation about his potential landing spots, with several teams emerging as likely suitors eager to bolster their ground game.
The Los Angeles Chargers stand out as a prime candidate for Judkins’ services. Their rushing attack faltered in the previous season, finishing a disappointing 20th overall, a stark contrast to the standards set by coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers face uncertainty at the running back position with J.K. Dobbins heading into free agency and Gus Edwards battling persistent injury issues. While Kimani Vidal showed promise, his limited playing time leaves questions about his ability to handle a larger workload. Judkins’s powerful running style aligns perfectly with Harbaugh’s preference for a physical, between-the-tackles runner, making him an ideal fit for the Chargers’ offensive scheme.
The Dallas Cowboys also present a compelling case for drafting Judkins. Their passing game, often reliant on quarterback Dak Prescott, would significantly benefit from a revitalized running attack. With Rico Dowdle’s impending free agency, the Cowboys are in need of a dependable running back. While Ashton Jeanty is a potential first-round pick, if the Cowboys opt for a different position in the first round, Judkins could be a valuable addition on Day 2, offering a blend of power and pass-catching ability that could elevate their offense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers present another potential landing spot. Najee Harris’s impending free agency creates a void in their backfield, and while Jaylen Warren has shown potential, his ability to shoulder the load as a full-time starter remains to be seen. The Steelers have a history of drafting Ohio State players, notably defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, which could influence their decision. Judkins’s combination of power and receiving skills makes him a potentially appealing option to reinforce their running game.
The Denver Broncos, plagued by an inefficient running game for several seasons, are another team that could benefit from Judkins’ talent. Head coach Sean Payton, known for his preference for strong running games during his time with the New Orleans Saints, could see Judkins as a key piece in revitalizing Denver’s offense. Judkins could provide a much-needed boost to their ground attack, alleviating pressure on quarterback Bo Nix and providing a more balanced offensive approach.
Finally, the Las Vegas Raiders, facing numerous positional needs, have a glaring deficiency at running back. Zamir White’s underwhelming performance before a season-ending knee injury, coupled with Alexander Mattison’s modest 420 rushing yards as the team’s leading rusher, highlights the Raiders’ desperate need for a productive back. Judkins’ talent and potential could make him a highly attractive option for the Raiders, who will likely address the running back position early in the draft. His ability to generate yards after contact and contribute in the passing game would provide a significant upgrade to their current backfield.
In conclusion, Quinshon Judkins’ decision to enter the 2025 NFL draft has generated significant interest from teams seeking to bolster their running back positions. His combination of size, strength, and receiving prowess, honed during his successful tenure at Ohio State, makes him a highly sought-after prospect. The Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as potential landing spots, each presenting a unique opportunity for Judkins to contribute and potentially become a star in the NFL. His draft position will undoubtedly be a major storyline in the 2025 NFL draft, and whichever team secures his services will likely gain a significant asset to their offensive arsenal.
