Summary

Quinshon Judkins was drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Round 2, (pick 36) out of Ole Miss. Judkins projects as a strong candidate to be a feature running back thanks to his blend of power, contact balance, versatility, and receiving ability. He isn’t simply a downhill thumper; his receiving chops and adaptability give him three‑down potential. In the right scheme, he can make a significant impact.

However, he lacks some of the elite traits that define “home‑run” backs—namely highest‑level speed and exceptional lateral agility. His profile suggests that his best role may center on being a powerful every‑down back rather than a highlight‑reel catastrophic big‑play tailback.

Strengths

• Contact balance & power‑running ability: Judkins consistently shows the ability to absorb hits, maintain forward momentum, and convert tackles into positive gains. NFL Draft Buzz

• Burst to the hole & downhill tempo: He exhibits impressive acceleration at the point of attack, getting to the second level quickly in many reps.

• Vision & decisiveness behind blocks: Judkins demonstrates patience and the ability to identify cut‑back lanes, trusting his blockers before accelerating. On Tap Sports Net

• Receiving skills and three‑down potential: While primarily a runner, he has shown competence as a pass‑catcher out of the backfield and improvement in pass‑protection techniques. NFL Draft Buzz

• Versatility in scheme fit: Judkins has shown ability to perform in multiple offensive systems (Ole Miss, then Ohio State) and alignments, which suggests adaptability. Footballguys

Weaknesses

• Top‑end speed and big‑play home‑run capability: Evaluators note that while his burst is strong initially, his long‑speed and ability to outrun pursuit are perhaps not elite. NFL Draft Buzz

• Limited lateral agility and elusiveness in tight‑space: He may not make multiple sharp cuts or change direction in space as fluidly as some other backs with higher “wiggle.” Bleacher Report

• Pass‑protection and blocking consistency: Although improved, his technique in blitz pickup and blocking defenders at full speed is still a work in progress. NFL Draft Buzz

• Potential for over‑patience / delayed reads: Some tape shows he waits a bit too long behind the line of scrimmage or misses opportunities when initial gaps don’t open.

Fit & Outlook

• Fit:

• Fits well in offenses that emphasize downhill running, inside‑zone or gap schemes, where he can hit creases, run behind pads, and pick up yards after initial contact.

• Also suits schemes that ask backs to be versatile—catch passes, protect in pass‑pro occasionally—rather than purely one‑dimensional.

• Less ideal in offenses that require the back to primarily win in outside‑zone schemes with elite lateral burst or to serve as a pure “speed” threat.

• Outlook:

• Short‑Term (Rookie Year): Expect Judkins to earn significant carries, likely in rotation to begin, while he acclimates to NFL speed, blocking demands and pass‑catching responsibilities.

• Medium‑Term (Years 2‑4): If he refines his blocking, improves his lateral agility, and remains healthy, he has the potential to become a lead back and possibly one of the more productive backs in the league.