Quinshon Judkins has taken the Browns, and soon to be, if not already, the national stage in the NFL this year. With an outstanding performance in the game recently against the Miami Dolphins, and great showings in multiple games, his future has to be considered now. However, running backs are a strange position, with year to year performance being very unpredictable. Despite his past performance, the thought still needs to be cast. Is Judkins the future for the Browns, or will his career only stand out this year.
This Year’s Performance
Judkins’ year has been a stellar one so far, having only played six games this season and still putting up the numbers he has. With only six starts, Judkins has been given the rock 109 times, for a total of 467 yards and five touchdowns. Three of those in the Miami game alone, one coming against Detroit and another against Green Bay. He has been featured in the passing game, though only slightly, with 12 targets for nine receptions, and 62 yards. At 4.3 yards per attempt, Judkins has had his way with multiple NFL defensive lines. Only being under 60 yards once (against PIT), and only being under 80 yards twice (36 yards against the Steelers, 61 against the Ravens), he has clearly shown what a stud he can be. Against the Vikings, he had 110 total rushing yards, and could have gone for more and another touchdown had his amazing run not been pulled back due to holding. Clearly, Judkins has been able to show why he can be the starter, and why he should be considered for higher workloads.
The Nick Chubb Comparison
Nick Chubb will always be the modern day Browns running back comparison, and for good reason. He was an intense, hard rusher with loads of strength and deceiving footwork as well. Judkins has showcased why he deserves the comp, having had his own Chubb-like flashes during games. He has had bursts of strength and strong, dirty rushes, while also revealing a hidden, deadly speed. In multiple rushes, he has broken through the defensive line to show his speed, pulling away from even the smaller, lighter and more nimble defensive backs. While his ballcarrier vision still isn’t at Nick Chubb’s level, he has shown the growth that could eventually lead to that kind of vision behind the offensive line.
Is This A One Hit Wonder, or Something More?
Running back is likely the most harmful and destructive position to play in the modern NFL, especially on a player’s body. Due to this, running backs have been known to be great, only to have their future wrecked by injuries and a lack of that spark they once had. We of course do not want this to happen with Judkins, but the worry has to be spoken about regardless. If injuries do not wreck his future, Judkins has shown everything he needs to show in order to prove himself as something more than a one season back. All the signs are there, and nothing he’s done points to him not being able to continue this over one, two or even three years. In my projections, I believe Judkins could likely be a top 7 RB in the near future, with potential for top 5. I think the best is hard to achieve, but top 5 is something I could foresee happening.
Have the Browns Found their Chubb Replacement?
While it isn’t easy to replace a man like Chubb, if anyone was going to take that mantle, I think Judkins could be the one. He’s shown intense fight, great strength, a killer speed when needed, and great vision. Everything that he needs to have to be elite, he has. Taking up the spot of Nick Chubb isn’t an easy task, but from what I have seen in these six games, I think Judkins could do it.
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