When the Cleveland Browns welcomed back Nick Chubb last season from another serious knee injury, there were tempered expectations. Chubb was a shell of his former self and suffered another serious injury, which all but put a nail in the coffin for him being the Browns’ starter still at running back.

Going into the NFL draft, the Browns had to find a starting running back. Many thought that could come at No. 33 overall, instead, the Browns made a surprise pick with UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger.

Then, the Browns found their running back of the future at No. 36, the pick they got from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the trade from No. 2 overall.

Browns draft Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins thanks to the Jacksonville Jaguars

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Cleveland adding the extra second-round pick from the Jaguars to move down in the first round was a big plus for the Browns. The Browns selection of Judkins gives them a player with star potential at the position and they didn’t have to go far to do it. Cleveland is very familiar with Judkins, who had a star season with Ohio State on their way to a National Championship.

Judkins can step in and be an every-down back for the Browns, though they have Jerome Ford as well to add a change of pace. This selection gives the Browns their seventh player from Ohio State and that will sit well with fans.

Quinshon Judkins Scouting Report

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

Age: 21 (10/29/2023)

A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: 64

“Quinshon Judkins played a major role for Ohio State on their way to a national championship in 2024. He is a powerful runner who also has fantastic speed. He showed off his athleticism at the NFL Combine by recording a 4.48-second forty-yard dash and 38.5-inch vertical jump. Coaches can trust him to hold onto the ball seeing as he only has one fumble over the past two years. Judkins has the speed to hit holes quickly as they open and offers next-level strength that forces multiple defenders to bring him down on any given play. He can be a three-down starter at the pro level in the right system and has the talent to be one of the best running backs in this year's loaded class.” — Destin Adams, A to Z Sports

Career Projection: Immediate quality starter

Going away

Cleveland added a very athletic running back with the ability to be a strong pass blocker and pass catcher for the Browns. Chubb still could be brought back on a short deal to be a backup running back but the days of hoping he is the guy still are over. 

Browns’ first selection in the second round could mean bad news for Cleveland’s star defender

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