The injury to Isiah Pacheco revealed that the Kansas City Chiefs lack multiple explosive playmakers in their backfield. The team should address this issue in the 2025 NFL draft by investing in at least one new running back.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins is a young prospect with the speed to gash defenses. He’s fast enough to turn the corner on off-tackle runs before stressing pursuit angles with his acceleration. Judkins’ quick feet string together sharp cuts that make defenders miss in one-on-one situations.
Judkins patiently presses close to the offensive line while in the backfield before exploding through the hole. His vision helps him locate openings and prevents him from running into dogpiles. His contact balance is average, which prevents him from creating between the tackles at a high level.
Judkins isn’t known for his power, but he drops his shoulder going into contact when he finds himself isolated with cornerbacks on the perimeter. His stiff arm is one of the best in the 2025 class. Judkins also deploys a spin move to shake defenders. Unfortunately, he’s not twitchy, and his elusiveness falls short of elite.
Quinshon Judkins…….
Jump cut. cut. stiff arm the DE. run for another 20 yards? Pretty cool stuff pic.twitter.com/HZx7dFKmsZ
— Zac (@ZacLeeNFL) November 13, 2024
Judkins’ value on third down remains murky. He has the speed to stack linebackers as a route runner, but neither Ole Miss nor Ohio State asked him to catch passes. Judkins makes passable blocks in pass protection but lacks the power and enthusiasm to succeed as a blocker consistently.
Judkins receives plenty of praise from evaluators but could fall as far as the third or fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
The Buckeyes play three Big Ten games to end their regular season, starting with a matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats.