Would the value be right for the Giants to pick Judkins?
Should the New York Giants select a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft? They’re going to have to make that decision at some point over the course of the weekend.
The value of the running back position is at a recent high thanks to the proliferation of Cover 4 defenses and light boxes to tamp down on explosive passing attacks. And coincidentally, 2025 looks to be a remarkably strong running back class. This year’s class should provide multiple teams with new starting caliber running backs.
Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins is one of those runners who could fit with just about any team, yet could slip a bit thanks to the depth of talent in this class. But even if his versatility appeals to the Giants, will the value be right for Judkins to join Tyrone Tracy in New York’s backfield?
Prospect: Quinshon Judkins (1)
Games Watched: vs. Iowa (2024), vs. Oregon (2024), vs. Penn State (2024), vs. Indiana (2024)
Height: 6-foot (estimated)
Weight: 215 pounds (estimated)
Best traits
Judkins is a good-sized, versatile, tough running back prospect.
Judkins has a dense and versatile frame at 6-foot, 215 pounds (listed), as well as a twitchy athleticism. His blend of size, quickness, agility, and twitch allows him to execute a wide variety of running plays and is equally dangerous off-tackle and up the middle. He does a great job of running with good tempo behind the line of scrimmage, giving his blocks time to materialize before exploding through the hole. He understands how to manipulate defenders and create larger rushing lanes for himself.
Judkins does a good job of identifying running lanes, allowing his blockers to establish themselves, then following them through the hole. He usually doesn’t freelance unless he has to, and generally keeps the structure of the play intact.
Judkins is also dangerous as a cutback runner thanks to a short, choppy stride which gives him great acceleration. Not only can he change speeds easily, but he’s also able to change directions easily as well. Judkins combines that choppy running style with good vision and contact balance to allow him to pick up tough yardage as well as turn tackle attempts into solid gains.
He has enough play strength to break arm tackles and survive glancing blows, and does a good job of securing the ball into contact. Likewise, he frequently looks to finish his runs by delivering hits to defenders.
Judkins is a capable piece in the passing game as well, giving him true three-down value. He’s a dependable receiver who runs his routes well, makes himself available for the quarterback, is a “hands” catcher, and does a good job of adjusting to errant throws. He’s also a very willing pass protector who seems to relish delivering hits to defenders.
Worst traits
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