When the Cleveland Browns used a second-round pick on Ohio State football RB Quinshon Judkins, it sure opened plenty of eyes. Then in the fourth round, fellow running back Dylan Sampson was drafted, which had plenty of people thinking that veteran Nick Chubb would be out the door.
While speaking to the media on Friday, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that it's unlikely that Chubb will re-sign with the team. Basically, he confirmed what a lot of people expected. Now that this team is getting ready to move forward without the former standout, the door is wide open for a new RB to step in and win the starting job.
Enter Judkins? He is quickly considered the favorite to be the featured back and it'd be a role he'd no question be able to flourish in. Everyone saw what he was able to do with the Buckeyes in 2024 and now Cleveland fans are hyped up to see what he can do with the ball in his hands:
Free-agent RB Nick Chubb is not expected to return to Browns, GM Andrew Berry said today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 9, 2025
Story via @DanielOyefusi:https://t.co/9yWfufYDto
Quinshon Judkins is now in a great spot to win the Browns starting RB job
Both Judkins and Sampson, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year for the Tennessee Vols in 2024, have what it takes to be starters. However, we're going to give Judkins the edge thanks to just how electric he is. Last campaign for Ohio State, he rushed for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Him and TreVeyon Henderson were so much fun to watch working together. Judkins no question played a massive role in helping the Buckeyes win the natty and now he's focused on helping the Browns get back to a strong level of play.
There have no question been some lean years for the AFC North side, but plenty of young, exciting additions, of course including Judkins, have made their way to town. After his outstanding one and done season with the Buckeyes, fans are ready to see what he's made of in 2025 in his first pro season. Will Year 1 be as a starter? Things could end up going that way for him.