Quinshon Judkins did not enter the collegiate space as a five-star player. However, with time, he has become one of the most memorable players. Judkins was originally a three-star recruit who was a part of the Ole Miss roster.
Judkins rushed for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns in just two seasons. However, the stats were not enough for him. Not so long ago, he entered the transfer portal and joined Ohio State. And no doubt, with the Buckeyes, he did well. In 16 games, Judkins rushed for 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
However, one of his best moments came during the College Football Playoff title game against Notre Dame. Judkins went on to get two rushing touchdowns and one receiving score. Now, he is officially looking at the NFL Draft.
Could Quinshon Judkins Be a First-Round Pick?
Judkins has had an absolute transformation in the last year. A recent video posted by MLFootball shows the running back pumping iron in the gym. The video was initially shared by Judkins’ trainer, Dr. Sharif Tabbah, who went on to write, “@NFL Draft next stop.”
Judkins is not just showing off in the weight room. He has the work and numbers to back it up. At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, he had an 11-foot broad jump and a 38.5-inch vertical. To add on, he even had a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. He is prepped for offense. So, does that mean Judkins is a set first-round?
OHIO STATE RB QUINSHON JUDKINS IS BUILT LIKE A TRUCK.
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JUDKINS COULD BE A FIRST-ROUND PICK.
pic.twitter.com/GEYIRXQkXJ— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 23, 2025
Yes and no. Analyst Sal Vetri seems to think that while Judkins is great, he might shift.
“He’s a borderline Day 1 NFL talent who likely won’t be taken until the 2nd round,” Vetri said.
However, Vetri isn’t the only one who is not buying it.
NFL Draft expert, Mel Kiper Jr., has Judkins ranked as the No. 5 running back in his latest mock draft. This is perhaps because his 2024 season, had some inconsistencies. In five of his nine Big Ten games, he averaged only four yards per carry.
While it is true that Judkins has great vision, it seems like he sometimes waits too long to hit the gap. This can be a huge downfall in a pro-level game. Despite all skepticism, there is no denying that Judkins has potential.
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In fact, the Denver Broncos, who need a power back after losing Javonte Williams to free agency, have the No. 20 pick in Round 1. If Ashton Jeanty, the current No. 1 RB, is off the shelf, then teams might just take a chance on Judkins.
So, will Judkins be a first-round pick or become an early second-round steal? For now, the answers are up in the air. However, he has the skill and stats, and only time will tell if that translates to NFL stardom.
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