Giants Zeroing In on Rising RB Prospect as Backfield Solution
The New York Giants are quietly doing their due diligence on this year’s loaded running back class — and with several third-round picks at their disposal, they’re in a prime position to strike gold without reaching early.
One name reportedly gaining serious traction within the Giants’ draft room? Quinshon Judkins — a bruising, explosive back from Ohio State who’s turning heads with both his production and physical tools.
Why Quinshon Judkins Is Climbing the Giants’ Draft Board
At 6’0″, 219 pounds, Judkins brings the power of a classic downhill runner but with surprising athleticism. In 2023, he racked up 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. His ability to shed tackles — evidenced by 3.04 yards after contact per attempt — makes him a nightmare for defenders.
And he’s not just a one-dimensional bruiser: Judkins added over 160 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, showing enough pass-catching ability to stay on the field in all situations.
At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.48 40-yard dash with a 1.51 10-yard split, showcasing rare explosiveness for his size. While he may not have elite breakaway speed, he checks nearly every other box scouts are looking for.
A Thunder-and-Lightning Duo in the Making
With Tyrone Tracy Jr. offering pass-game versatility and quickness in space, Judkins could step in as the powerful early-down complement. Together, they’d form a modern “thunder-and-lightning” backfield — a perfect pairing for a team still searching for stability at running back post-Saquon Barkley.
Quinshon Judkins
Judkins = Joe Mixon 2.0?
NFL scouts have compared Judkins to Joe Mixon for their similar build, no-nonsense running style, and ability to wear down defenses. Judkins doesn’t have elite lateral agility, but his north-south power and contact balance could be a game-changer for New York.
If the Giants snag him in the third round—or even move up slightly to ensure they get him—it would be a smart, low-cost move with major upside. With Russell Wilson likely a temporary solution at quarterback, building a ground game around a workhorse like Judkins could be exactly what the offense needs.
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