Three teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, are able to select Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Three Teams, Including the Dallas Cowboys, Eye Ohio State Running Back Quinshon Judkins in the 2025 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, one name that has started to buzz around the league’s circles of scouts, analysts, and fans is Quinshon Judkins, the standout running back from Ohio State. Judkins has made a name for himself through his electrifying performances, blending speed, vision, and power into an exciting package that has captured the attention of NFL teams looking for a dynamic back to anchor their offenses. While the draft is still months away, teams are already circling the possibility of adding this unique talent to their roster, and three teams, in particular, have emerged as strong candidates to select Judkins when their pick arrives.
Among these teams are the Dallas Cowboys, a franchise that is no stranger to selecting impactful players in the draft. With a successful track record in identifying talent, the Cowboys could very well make Judkins a centerpiece of their future offense. Along with them, other contenders, such as the Miami Dolphins and the Arizona Cardinals, have been rumored to be interested in the versatile back. The question remains: which team will ultimately land Judkins, and how will he fit into their scheme? Let’s take a deep dive into why each of these three teams is a potential landing spot for Quinshon Judkins.
Quinshon Judkins: A Dynamic Running Back Prospect
Before we delve into which teams might draft him, let’s take a moment to understand why Quinshon Judkins has generated so much buzz. The Ohio State running back has been nothing short of spectacular throughout his college career, showcasing a unique combination of skills that make him a coveted asset for NFL teams.
Judkins stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 210 pounds, which gives him a solid frame for an NFL running back. What sets him apart from other running back prospects is his ability to combine physicality with finesse. His vision and patience allow him to navigate through tight spaces, and his quick burst out of cuts makes him dangerous when he reaches the second level. Additionally, Judkins has proven to be a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield, further enhancing his versatility and making him an even more enticing prospect for teams that utilize running backs in multiple roles.
One of Judkins’ standout attributes is his ability to break tackles and gain extra yardage after contact. His balance, lower body strength, and stiff arm are particularly impressive and help him shed defenders, making him a threat in both short-yardage and open-field situations. Moreover, he possesses an uncanny ability to make defenders miss, showing elusiveness in tight quarters and on the perimeter.
Judkins’ track record at Ohio State includes a string of dominant performances against top-tier competition. His consistency, coupled with his big-play ability, has caught the attention of NFL scouts, and his blend of athleticism and football IQ makes him an intriguing option for teams in need of a playmaking back. With the running back position continuing to evolve in today’s pass-heavy NFL, Judkins’ ability to contribute in both the running and passing games makes him an especially appealing draft prospect.
The Dallas Cowboys: A Potential Match for Judkins
One of the most intriguing landing spots for Quinshon Judkins is the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys, under the leadership of head coach Mike McCarthy, have been on the hunt for a dynamic, all-around running back who can contribute to both their running game and their passing attack. Despite having one of the league’s premier running backs in Tony Pollard, who has displayed explosive abilities as a playmaker, the Cowboys have struggled with depth in the backfield.
Pollard, while highly effective, has been tasked with shouldering much of the load, leaving the Cowboys in need of a second option. In addition, the Cowboys have often relied on a committee approach to their backfield, and with Pollard set to enter a critical year in his career, drafting a player like Judkins could solidify the Cowboys’ ground game for years to come.
Quinshon Judkins would bring an ideal complement to Tony Pollard’s skill set. While Pollard is known for his speed and quickness, Judkins offers a more physical, downhill running style that would help balance the offense. He is capable of grinding out tough yards between the tackles and can wear down opposing defenses over the course of a game. Furthermore, Judkins’ ability to catch passes out of the backfield would fit well into the Cowboys’ offensive scheme, allowing him to be used in various ways, including as a checkdown option for quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dallas has also been known to invest in the running back position when they feel a player can contribute immediately, and Judkins would certainly fit the bill. With offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer known for crafting well-rounded, balanced attacks, the addition of a player with Judkins’ capabilities could open up additional opportunities for the offense to diversify its playcalling. Judkins would provide Dak Prescott with another weapon, and the Cowboys would be able to lean on a back capable of making big plays when it matters most.
The Cowboys’ interest in Judkins could also be driven by the fact that they have seen firsthand how important a dynamic running back can be to a playoff-caliber team. With their roster continuing to compete at a high level in the NFC, adding a talent like Judkins could be the final piece needed to push them over the top in their quest for a Super Bowl title. The balance he would bring to the offense could give them the edge they need to succeed in the postseason.
The Miami Dolphins: A Speedy Offense Gets Faster with Judkins
Another team that could be eyeing Quinshon Judkins in the 2025 NFL Draft is the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Mike McDaniel has created one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, built around speed and precision. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leading the charge, the Dolphins have leaned into a system that prioritizes speed, verticality, and versatility. What they lack, however, is a true workhorse running back who can handle a significant workload while still contributing as a receiving threat.
Judkins would fit seamlessly into Miami’s offensive scheme. His explosive burst and ability to break off long runs would be an immediate asset to the Dolphins’ fast-paced attack. Miami has already established a potent passing game, with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle stretching defenses vertically, but adding a back like Judkins could help to balance out their offense, making it even more dangerous. With his ability to make defenders miss and gain yards after contact, he could thrive as a ball-carrier in an offense that often utilizes outside zone runs and quick-hitting plays to take advantage of the defense’s speed.
Moreover, Judkins would provide the Dolphins with another dynamic element in the passing game. McDaniel’s offense is predicated on spreading the field and utilizing mismatches, and having a running back who can be an effective pass catcher out of the backfield would only enhance Miami’s offensive flexibility. Judkins’ ability to line up as a receiver and run routes out of the backfield would give Tua Tagovailoa another option when looking to attack defenses both vertically and horizontally.
As the Dolphins continue to build a Super Bowl-caliber team, a player like Judkins could be the final piece of the puzzle that makes their offense nearly unstoppable. The speed and versatility he would bring to their backfield could help Miami evolve into a more balanced and unpredictable offense, which would be a huge advantage, especially when facing tough defensive units in the postseason.
The Arizona Cardinals: Building for the Future with Judkins
The Arizona Cardinals are another team that could be targeting Quinshon Judkins in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a new coaching staff and a rebuilding effort underway, the Cardinals are looking for building blocks to shape their future. One area of their roster that has been lacking consistency in recent years is the running back position. Arizona has had flashes of success with running backs like James Conner, but they have not had a true game-changing back in the way of a player like Judkins.
Judkins would give Arizona the foundation it needs in the backfield to grow its offense around. As the Cardinals look to build around young quarterback Kyler Murray, they need a back who can take some of the pressure off Murray’s shoulders and give their offense a balanced attack. Judkins could provide exactly that—someone who can both pound the ball between the tackles and stretch the field as a receiver. His versatility would be crucial as the Cardinals look to build an offense that can compete in a competitive NFC West division.
Additionally, the Cardinals are in the midst of a rebuild, which means they need young talent that can grow with the team. Judkins, as a dynamic, high-upside running back, could become the centerpiece of the Arizona offense, much like Saquon Barkley has been for the New York Giants. His ability to impact the game in both the running and passing game would give Arizona an immediate weapon while allowing them to focus on developing other areas of their roster as they move forward.
