The reported arrest of Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins on Saturday, for battery and domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale, has sparked speculation about the team’s running back depth chart. The 21-year-old, No. 36 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is competing with Jerome Ford, who could gain a prominent role if Judkins misses games.
Judkins’ Arrest and Potential Consequences
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (10) runs with the ball during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Judkins was arrested and booked for “touch or strike/battery/domestic violence,” according to NBC Sports. The details remain limited, with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Browns "gathering information".
If found guilty, the rookie RB faces a likely six-game suspension under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, similar to teammate Mike Hall Jr.’s case in 2024. Placement on the Commissioner’s Exempt List is possible, barring him from team activities during the investigation, which could delay his season debut.
Impact on Browns’ Depth Chart
Quinshon Judkins was projected as the Browns’ RB1, expected to take over as the primary back after Nick Chubb’s departure to the Houston Texans. The 21-year-old's college stats (3,785 yards, 45 TDs at Ole Miss and Ohio State) and physicality (6’0”, 221 lbs) make him a “workhorse” back. Pro Football Focus (PFF) predicts 1,093.8 rushing yards for him in 2025.
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Jerrome Ford was slated as RB3 or a change-of-pace back after a pay cut from $3.5 million to $1.75 million, with Dylan Sampson as RB2.
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Jerrome Ford was slated as RB3 or a change-of-pace back after a pay cut from $3.5 million to $1.75 million, with Dylan Sampson as RB2.
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However, the Saturday arrest could elevate Ford to RB1 or a larger role early in the season. Ford, in his final contract year, has proven capable, with 1,132 yards and 9 TDs in 2023 and 790 yards in 2024.
Dylan Sampson, a fourth-round pick with 1,491 yards and 22 TDs at Tennessee, could also see increased snaps, particularly in passing situations. Ahmani Marshall is also a key depth chart option.
Browns’ Running Back Strategy
Cleveland, under Kevin Stefanski, aims to restore a run-heavy identity after a weak 2024 offense. Judkins and Sampson were drafted to complement a wide-zone scheme, but the former’s absence could shift reliance to Ford’s versatility and Sampson’s speed.
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Judkins is among 34 unsigned 2025 draft picks, with negotiations stalled over guaranteed money, potentially complicating his status.
Yash Bajaj is a Chief Content Producer with a strong foundation in US coverage, digital strategy, and audience-focused storytelling. As part of the US Desk at Hindustan Times, he covers a wide range of topics - from American politics to sports (NFL, NBA, derbies, MLB and more). Before joining Hindustan Times, Yash served as Deputy News Editor at Times Now, where he oversaw international coverage and led a team of six. In this role, he significantly expanded global traffic through strategic planning, SEO-driven content execution, and meticulous trend tracking across platforms. He is experienced in managing high-pressure breaking-news shifts, coordinating live coverage, and building newsroom systems that improve speed, accuracy, and reach. Prior to Times Now, Yash held a position at Opoyi, where he headed the Sports and US news team. He developed broad editorial strategies, guided reporters across multiple beats, and played a key role in recruiting and training new talent. His responsibilities also extended to social media management and experimenting with innovative content formats. A passionate NFL fan, Yash is a die-hard supporter of the Cincinnati Bengals and has followed Joe Burrow closely since his college days at LSU. Whether breaking down top players' latest performance, analyzing team performances, or tracking roster moves, he brings the same dedication and sharp storytelling to his sports coverage as he does to American politics and breaking news. When he’s not writing, Yash can often be found watching games or debating the latest NFL storylines with fellow fans. Yash holds a Bachelor of Mass Media (Journalism) from HR College, Mumbai University. His interests extend well beyond the newsroom: he is an enthusiastic explorer of AI tools, a movie buff with an ever-growing watchlist, and someone who enjoys unraveling conspiracy theories for fun.
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