The runs are expected to have an immediate impact. Of all the positions on the field, a young player is usually the easiest to step into, and teams using a premium pick at one expect production quickly. The questions start at the same pace until the yards arrive. One Browns back in his 2nd season is facing these questions.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport ranked Quinshon Judkins No. 6 in his second-year running back rankings. He believes he is not living up to expectations.
“There are bright spots. Cleveland’s offensive line has also struggled, but Judkins averaged just 3.6 yards per carry last season before breaking his foot and dislocating his ankle. This year, the 22-year-old has struggled for explosive gains, averaging three yards per carry. Judkins is still helping out on the edge for the run and the run now, though his production has fallen short of expectations,” Davenport wrote.
Expectations were high from the start. The Browns drafted Judkins 36th overall in 2025 after productive stops at Ole Miss and Ohio State, hoping he would be a reliable quarterback. Davenport pointed to his 23-carry, 110-yard game against the Minnesota Vikings last season as an example of what can happen.
His class didn’t live up to the hype either. Ashton Jeanty went to the Las Vegas Raiders with the first 10 picks and 4 running backs came off the backboard in the first 40 picks. The group has yet to create a clear star.
Judkins’ numbers this season back up the concern. A 3-yard-per-carry average is hard to overlook. Even his best game, a 70-yard drive against the Carolina Panthers, came on 18 carries.
There is an important context, though. Judkins forced 18 missed tackles, one of the highest totals in the league, indicating he was often hit near the line of scrimmage. Cleveland has 5 new players on the offensive line. Todd Monken also said the running game is the root of the offense.
Timing makes this a key extension. Judkins missed the win over the Baltimore Ravens with an ankle injury and was limited in practice Wednesday. Audric Estime scored in his place, and the Browns were linked with the Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard before the Nov. 10 deadline.
That’s a lot of pressure for a 22-year-old. If Judkins returns healthy for Sunday’s game at Tennessee and the line continues to improve, he has time to change the conversation. Otherwise, the Browns may decide they need more help in the backfield before the deadline arrives.
NEXT:
Former AFC North Coach Traded for Browns Defense