Look: Quinshon Judkins, a star for the Ohio State Buckeyes, visits the Bengals before the 2025 NFL Draft

Look: Ohio State Buckeyes Star Quinshon Judkins Visits Bengals Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one name that has been on the radar of many scouts, analysts, and NFL teams is Quinshon Judkins, the standout running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Known for his explosive running style, elusive moves, and ability to break off long gains, Judkins has quickly emerged as one of the most highly anticipated prospects in college football. With his future in the NFL seemingly secured, Judkins is now preparing for his next big leap: transitioning from one of college football’s elite programs to the next level.

In a move that has caught the attention of both Buckeyes fans and NFL enthusiasts, Quinshon Judkins recently visited the Cincinnati Bengals, one of the rising teams in the NFL. The visit has sent waves through the college football and NFL communities, with many speculating about what this could mean for both Judkins’ professional future and the Bengals’ strategy heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

In this article, we’ll explore Quinshon Judkins’ rise to stardom at Ohio State, the significance of his visit to the Bengals, and how the running back fits into the evolving landscape of the NFL. We’ll also discuss his potential impact on the Bengals’ roster and how he might contribute to their already potent offense in the coming seasons.

Quinshon Judkins: Ohio State’s Star Running Back

Quinshon Judkins arrived at Ohio State with high expectations. Coming out of high school, he was widely regarded as one of the top running backs in the country, earning recognition for his combination of speed, power, and vision. The Buckeyes, known for their deep pool of talent at almost every position, saw in Judkins a player who could not only contribute immediately but also develop into one of the premier players in college football.

Judkins wasted no time living up to the hype. As a freshman, he displayed his versatility and explosiveness, quickly establishing himself as one of the focal points of Ohio State’s high-powered offense. His ability to break tackles, pick up tough yardage between the tackles, and stretch plays to the outside made him a constant threat on the field. What set him apart, however, was his ability to remain calm under pressure, making him an effective weapon in clutch situations.

By his sophomore season, Judkins had already cemented himself as one of the top running backs in the country, ranking among the leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns in the Big Ten. His physical running style and ability to change the game in an instant made him a key player for the Buckeyes, and he played a central role in helping Ohio State remain one of the top teams in the nation.

Judkins is a rare combination of power and agility, a back who can barrel through defenders but also make sharp cuts to elude tacklers. His vision and patience allow him to pick up yards in a variety of ways, whether it’s on designed runs or scrambles when plays break down. These traits are precisely what make him an appealing prospect for NFL teams.

The Significance of Quinshon Judkins’ Visit to the Cincinnati Bengals

In late April, Quinshon Judkins made a highly publicized visit to the Cincinnati Bengals’ training facilities. The visit, which took place as the team is gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft, was viewed as a significant event. For the Bengals, a team that has emerged as one of the most potent offenses in the NFL with quarterback Joe Burrow and a dynamic receiving corps led by Ja’Marr Chase, the addition of a talent like Judkins could take their offensive scheme to the next level.

The Bengals have long been known for their high-scoring attack, but the team has struggled with consistency in their ground game. Joe Mixon, the team’s starting running back, has been effective at times but hasn’t been able to consistently provide the necessary spark in the backfield. Cincinnati has relied heavily on Burrow’s arm and the explosive abilities of their wide receivers, but a lack of balance in the offense has at times hindered them in big games.

By bringing Judkins in for a visit, the Bengals are signaling that they are considering making a significant move to address that gap. Judkins’ arrival would not only provide a solid running back to balance the offensive attack but also add a playmaker who can keep opposing defenses on their toes.

For Judkins, visiting an NFL team ahead of the draft is a crucial step in his career. Teams like the Bengals will be looking closely at him to determine if he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Judkins’ visit to the Bengals is just one of many he’ll likely make leading up to the draft, but it stands out due to Cincinnati’s position as a perennial playoff contender and a team that could see immediate success from a rookie running back.

What Quinshon Judkins Brings to the NFL

As Judkins prepares to make the leap to the NFL, his skill set stands out as a perfect fit for today’s league. The NFL has shifted toward a more pass-heavy, fast-paced offensive style, but a versatile running back like Judkins is exactly what many teams are looking for to complement their aerial attacks. His ability to both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a dual-threat weapon that can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

One of Judkins’ standout attributes is his vision. On the field, he shows remarkable patience, waiting for holes to open up before accelerating through them with power and speed. His awareness of defenders around him allows him to make split-second decisions, whether it’s cutting back against the grain or bouncing a run outside for a long gain. This skill could be a major asset for any NFL team, particularly the Bengals, who are known for utilizing a spread offense that relies on both vertical passing and a strong running game.

Another major strength of Judkins is his ability to excel in pass protection. As NFL offenses increasingly prioritize the passing game, a running back who can block effectively is invaluable. Judkins has demonstrated the ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback, which is a crucial skill for any rookie entering the NFL. This ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, from rushing to receiving to blocking, makes him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a well-rounded back who can make an immediate impact.

Additionally, Judkins’ explosive speed and ability to change direction quickly are qualities that NFL teams will find enticing. His quickness allows him to navigate through tight spaces and evade tacklers in the open field, turning short runs into big gains. His versatility as a running back, along with his ability to excel as a receiving option out of the backfield, will allow him to immediately contribute in a variety of offensive schemes.

Quinshon Judkins and the Bengals’ Offense

For the Bengals, adding a running back like Quinshon Judkins would be a significant step forward in making their offense even more dynamic. With Joe Burrow at quarterback, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at wide receiver, and a solid offensive line, Cincinnati has all the pieces for a championship-contending offense. However, the lack of a reliable and consistent running game has been a question mark for the team, and drafting a player like Judkins could provide the solution.

Judkins would be an excellent complement to the Bengals’ passing attack. His ability to run both inside and outside would help keep defenses honest, preventing them from solely focusing on Burrow and the Bengals’ prolific wide receivers. A strong running game would give Cincinnati more balance, forcing defenses to respect both the pass and the run, which would open up more opportunities for Burrow to take shots down the field.

Additionally, Judkins’ pass-catching ability makes him a perfect fit for the Bengals’ offensive philosophy. In recent seasons, running backs in the NFL have become increasingly important as receiving options out of the backfield. Judkins is an accomplished pass catcher, and his ability to run routes and make plays in the open field would only add another layer to an already dynamic offense. The ability to have a reliable checkdown option in Judkins could help Burrow extend plays and find mismatches against opposing defenses.

In terms of what Judkins could bring to the Bengals immediately, his presence in the backfield would provide both a solid starting running back and a dynamic playmaker. His ability to contribute early and often would be a major asset as Cincinnati looks to continue its playoff runs and championship aspirations. Judkins would bring energy, athleticism, and a fresh dimension to an offense that already has the tools to compete for Super Bowls.

Judkins’ Impact on the 2025 NFL Draft

As one of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Quinshon Judkins is expected to be taken early, with many analysts projecting him as a first-round pick. His visit to the Bengals further solidifies his status as one of the most sought-after players in this year’s draft. His versatility, explosiveness, and well-rounded game make him a perfect fit for the modern NFL, where running backs who can do it all are in high demand.

Judkins’ ability to transition from college to the NFL will be something to watch closely as the draft approaches. His performance in college, combined with his work ethic, leadership, and ability to adapt to new systems, will be key factors in determining his success at the next level.