Fantasy football managers are continually on the lookout for running backs who can contribute significantly to their teams. With positions often thinning out as the season progresses, depth is crucial. One player many fantasy managers have been contemplating is Quinshon Judkins, a running back drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2025, who boasts an impressive college career. However, his status for the upcoming season raises several questions.
Quinshon Judkins’ Background
Judkins, the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had a standout collegiate career, racking up over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns each season at Ole Miss and Ohio State. His athleticism and skill set positioned him as one of the top running back prospects in the draft. Many believed he would have the opportunity to step into a significant role in Cleveland’s offense, particularly given the historical difficulty teams face in finding quality running backs.
Current Status: What’s Happening?
Despite his talent, Judkins’ situation is complicated. As of now, he remains unsigned by the Browns amid ongoing contract negotiations and off-field concerns. His arrest in July for misdemeanor battery raised red flags, even though the charges were eventually dropped by the Broward County State Attorney’s Office in mid-August. The Browns have not issued any updates on his contract situation, leaving many in the fantasy community wondering whether he will play this year.
Currently, he faces uncertain timelines due to unresolved contract issues. NFL second-round picks, including Judkins, often negotiate substantial contracts, sometimes holding out for fully guaranteed deals, which adds complexity to situations like his. The longer he remains unsigned, the less likely it is he will be ready to contribute effectively at the start of the season.
Should You Draft Judkins in Fantasy Football?
Given these circumstances, drafting Quinshon Judkins comes with inherent risks. While his talent is undeniable, the absence from training camp and preseason jeopardizes his chances of making a strong debut once signed. FantasyPros places his average draft position (ADP) as RB32, which many might find too high considering the uncertainty regarding his situation.
Establishing himself in a new offense immediately after signing is a daunting task, and even if he secures a contract before the season begins, players often take time to adjust to an NFL program. Fantasy managers seeking immediate contributions might want to avoid him as anything more than a speculative late-round pick.
Potential and Future Outlook
Ideally, once Judkins signs, he is expected to take a prominent role in the Cleveland backfield, potentially pushing for a starting position. Still, he faces competition from existing backs on the roster, including Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson. These players might benefit from the extra time they’ve had in the system, making it difficult for Judkins to leapfrog them quickly even when he finally gets on the field.
Fantasy owners should consider retaining Judkins as a stash option, with the understanding that he might not pay off until later in the season. If he signs and finds his rhythm mid-season, he could emerge as a valuable RB2 or perhaps even an RB1 if the Browns’ offense can efficiently utilize his skills.
Current Browns RB Depth Chart
To provide further context, here’s a look at the depth chart for Cleveland’s running backs:
- Jerome Ford: Currently the most established option, Ford’s prior experience in the NFL makes him a viable primary back.
- Dylan Sampson: Another rookie, Sampson may also vie for significant carries early in the season.
- Raheim Sanders: An additional name in the mix, contributing depth to the backfield.
- Trayveon Williams & Ahmani Marshall: Both players currently sit on the practice squad, adding to the competition.
Conclusion
In summary, while Quinshon Judkins possesses the skill set to thrive as an NFL running back, his current status renders him a risky fantasy asset at this time. Until he resolves his contract issues and secures a place on the field, managers should treat him as a speculative pick rather than a reliable contributor.
Drafting Judkins may require patience and some foresight—those willing to wait could unlock value as the season progresses. However, his uncertainty means he should not be prioritized in the early rounds of drafts. Fantasy managers would be wise to monitor his situation closely and be prepared to pivot if he remains unsigned as the season commences.
