Raiders Meet with Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins at NFL Combine: A Look at His Rising Draft Stock
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to bolster their roster. One player who has recently garnered significant attention is Quinshon Judkins, a talented running back from Ohio State, who officially met with the Raiders at the NFL Scouting Combine. Judkins, who has impressed scouts with his combination of power, vision, and burst, has quickly become one of the most intriguing running back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Quinshon Judkins: A Rising Star in the Backfield
Judkins, a 6-foot-0, 219-pound powerhouse, made his mark in college football with two stellar seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Ohio State for the 2024 campaign. Over the course of his college career, Judkins established himself as one of the top running backs in the country, displaying exceptional skills that could translate well to the NFL.
In his first two seasons at Ole Miss, Judkins rushed for over 1,000 yards in each, showcasing his ability to carry the load for his team and consistently produce in key moments. His 2024 season at Ohio State only elevated his draft stock further, as he rushed for 1,182 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. His powerful running style, paired with his speed and vision, makes him an enticing prospect for NFL teams looking to add a three-down back to their roster.
Judkins’ Combine Performance: Showcasing His Athleticism
One of the most critical events in the draft process is the NFL Scouting Combine, where draft prospects are put through a series of athletic drills and tests to assess their physical abilities. For Judkins, the Combine served as an opportunity to demonstrate his potential and solidify his place as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 draft class.
Judkins turned heads with his performance, running an impressive 4.48-second 40-yard dash despite his size. At 6-foot-0 and 219 pounds, he possesses a rare blend of power and speed that is often hard to find in a running back. His ability to cover ground quickly in the 40-yard dash was an encouraging sign for scouts, even though Judkins is known more for his power and burst rather than elite top-end speed.
While Judkins’ 40-yard dash time wasn’t necessarily eye-popping when compared to other running backs, it was still a solid performance that showcased his combination of size and athleticism. His overall agility and explosiveness were also highlighted during various drills, further enhancing his draft profile. His balance and ability to change direction quickly in tight spaces are aspects of his game that could make him a valuable asset in the NFL.
Playing Style: Power, Burst, and Vision
What truly sets Judkins apart from other running back prospects is his combination of power, burst, and contact balance. At 219 pounds, he is a force to be reckoned with when running through tackles, often able to shed defenders or push through arm tackles with ease. This makes him an ideal fit for an NFL offense that utilizes a gap-running scheme, where power and the ability to gain yards after contact are essential.
Judkins also possesses impressive burst, allowing him to hit the hole quickly and explode through it before defenders can react. He doesn’t possess elite top-end speed, but his ability to change gears and accelerate through the first few steps of a run make him a dangerous player in the open field. His ability to burst through the line of scrimmage and gain chunk yardage is a quality that NFL teams covet, especially those in need of a back who can break long runs and be a consistent playmaker.
In addition to his power and burst, Judkins is also known for his excellent vision. He excels at reading blocks and finding running lanes, a critical skill for running backs in the NFL. Judkins’ patience behind the line of scrimmage allows him to wait for plays to develop, and when the right moment arrives, he is quick to hit the hole and capitalize on the opportunity. This vision, combined with his ability to make defenders miss in the open field, makes him a threat to turn any run into a big play.
The Gap Scheme Fit: How Judkins Could Excel in the NFL
Judkins is considered a versatile, three-down back, and his skill set makes him a strong fit for teams that utilize a gap-running scheme. In a gap scheme, offensive linemen pull or move laterally to create holes for the running back, and Judkins’ vision and burst make him an ideal candidate to exploit those gaps. His ability to power through tacklers, combined with his quick decision-making, allows him to read the blocking patterns and take advantage of any open lanes.
Moreover, his versatility as a three-down back allows him to be used in a variety of situations, both as a runner and as a pass-catcher. While Judkins is known primarily for his power and running ability, he also has the skills to contribute in the passing game. His hands are reliable, and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field after catching a pass only adds to his value as a well-rounded offensive weapon.
Projected Draft Status: A Day 2 Pick, Likely in the Second Round
Judkins’ strong performance at the Combine, coupled with his impressive college production, has positioned him as one of the top running back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, power, burst, and vision has made him a standout player, and he is projected to be selected in the second round of the draft, likely on Day 2.
While some experts may argue that Judkins lacks the elite top-end speed that some other running backs possess, his overall skill set more than makes up for that. He is a well-rounded, three-down back who can contribute immediately at the NFL level. His ability to thrive in a gap-running scheme, combined with his power and vision, makes him a valuable asset to teams in need of a dynamic, workhorse running back.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, meeting with Judkins at the Combine signals an interest in a player who could complement their offensive scheme. The Raiders are no strangers to prioritizing the running back position, and with questions surrounding the future of their current backfield, Judkins could provide a long-term solution. Given his skill set, Judkins has the potential to step in as an immediate starter for a team that values power running and versatility in the backfield.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead for Quinshon Judkins
As Quinshon Judkins heads into the 2025 NFL Draft, he has firmly established himself as one of the top running backs in this class. His performances at Ole Miss, his standout season at Ohio State, and his impressive Combine showing have put him on the radar of NFL scouts and teams alike. Judkins’ combination of power, vision, and burst, along with his ability to contribute as both a runner and pass-catcher, makes him an exciting prospect with significant potential at the next level.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, Judkins represents a potential game-changer in their backfield, someone who can contribute immediately and provide long-term stability at the position. As the draft approaches, Judkins’ stock is likely to continue rising, and whichever team selects him will be gaining a versatile, three-down back capable of making an immediate impact.
In the end, Quinshon Judkins’ journey from Ole Miss to Ohio State, and now to the NFL, is one to watch closely. With his combination of skills and athleticism, Judkins is poised for a successful career in the NFL, and the Raiders, among other teams, will be closely monitoring his progress as they look to strengthen their roster for the future.
