Why Quinshon Judkins Could Be a 2025 Rookie Buy

Quinshon Judkins Could Be a 2025 Rookie Market Move

The 2025 NFL Draft class still looks like a group with several undervalued hobby options, and Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is one of the names worth watching before the 2026 NFL season. While the attention around next year’s rookie class remains limited outside a few top names, the 2025 class has already produced players whose cards may still have room to climb if their on-field roles continue to grow.

Judkins is a second-year running back who finished last season with just under 1,000 total yards in 14 games. On paper, that is a modest output. In context, it came while he was working through a Browns offense that rotated quarterbacks and an offensive line that dealt with injuries and constant lineup changes. His 3.6 yards per carry across 230 attempts was not eye-catching, but the environment around him made production difficult.

Why Judkins’ 2025 Season Deserves a Second Look

Judkins entered the league with expectations as a productive back, and his rookie season offered enough volume to keep him on the radar. He handled 230 carries and remained a central part of Cleveland’s offense despite the instability around him. That kind of workload matters in the hobby, especially for running backs who can become more interesting if their situation improves in Year 2.

For collectors, the key question is not whether Judkins already posted a breakout season. It is whether his early NFL production was suppressed by circumstances that could change quickly. The Browns’ offensive issues were not limited to one area. Quarterback uncertainty and line instability both played a role, and those are the kinds of factors that can make a young skill player look less effective than he actually is.

What Could Change for the Browns Offense

The Browns enter the new season with less ambiguity at quarterback than they had before, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders competing for the starting job in training camp. That does not guarantee a long-term answer, and it is fair to question whether either quarterback will still be the starter in 2027. Even so, the situation is more defined than the revolving door Cleveland dealt with last year.

That matters for Judkins because running backs often benefit when an offense can at least establish some consistency. A stable quarterback situation can help keep defenses honest, and that can create more favorable rushing opportunities. Even if the Browns do not suddenly become an explosive passing team, a clearer direction under center could be enough to help Judkins’ efficiency.

There is also a coaching change to consider. Todd Monken takes over as head coach and offensive mind, and his recent track record includes offenses that have routinely produced strong rushing numbers. His previous two seasons in Baltimore were highlighted by run-oriented production, which gives Cleveland collectors a reason to believe the Browns could lean into the ground game more effectively.

Offensive Line Help Adds to the Outlook

Cleveland also brought in three new offensive line starters in Tyler Guyton, Elgton Jenkins, and Zion Johnson. The source points to those additions as part of an effort to strengthen a unit that had been battered by injuries and age. For a running back, that kind of upgrade can be just as important as the quarterback situation.

Judkins’ rookie year was defined in part by the lack of continuity in front of him. Eight different starting combinations through 12 weeks is a difficult setup for any back to navigate. If the Browns can field a more settled line, Judkins may have a better chance to show the power and efficiency that made him an attractive prospect in the first place.

That is where the hobby case begins to get interesting. Running backs rarely need a perfect setup to gain traction, but they do need enough support to turn volume into visible production. If Cleveland’s offense becomes more functional, Judkins could be one of the players whose card market responds quickly.

The Hobby Case for Positive Regression

Skill players often struggle to hold major hobby value unless they are producing at a high level or attached to a winning team. That challenge is even greater when the player is on a roster that is not viewed as a strong postseason contender. Judkins fits that profile right now, but that can also create opportunity if the market has not fully adjusted to his long-term upside.

One reason collectors may find him appealing is the possibility of positive regression. The source argues that Judkins could be one of the better running backs in the league by the end of Year 2. If that happens, his current card prices may look modest in hindsight, especially compared with the attention that tends to follow more obvious breakout stars.

There is also a market element specific to Cleveland. The Browns fan base has historically shown interest in productive running backs, with Nick Chubb cited as the clearest example. If Judkins develops into a reliable lead back, he would be entering a fan market that has already shown it can support that type of player.

Affordable Rookie Cards Still Exist in the Market

Another part of Judkins’ appeal is that some of his rookie cards remain relatively accessible. The source points to the ongoing PSA hold-up of some of the most sought-after rookie cards from Topps or Panini products, which has helped keep certain cards affordable and available for collectors willing to search.

One example given is Judkins’ Radiating Rookie insert from 2025 Topps Chrome. The article notes multiple sales in the $75 range, which stands out when compared with Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in last year’s class who posted 1,321 yards in three more games. The comparison is not meant to suggest the two players are identical, but rather to show that Judkins’ market may still be behind his actual upside if his role grows.

That kind of pricing creates a window for collectors who believe in the player rather than the current headline value. If Judkins takes a step forward in Year 2, cards that look reasonable now could become much harder to find at the same level later.

Why the 2025 Class May Offer More Value Than 2026

The source also draws a clear contrast between the 2025 and 2026 rookie classes. The 2026 group is described as lacking much fanfare outside Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, and Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 pick. Topps Flagship will be the debut product for those incoming rookies, but the overall class is viewed as thin, with only nine total first-round picks going to quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, or tight ends.

By comparison, the 2025 class has already shown more depth in terms of potential hobby value. That does not mean every player will rise, but it does mean collectors may find more attractive pricing and more realistic upside among second-year names like Judkins. In a market where the obvious rookies can become expensive quickly, the better value sometimes sits one class earlier.

Judkins fits that idea well because he is not being priced like a finished product. He is still early enough in his career for his role, efficiency, and team context to change the way collectors view him. For those tracking players before the 2026 NFL season, that makes him a name worth monitoring closely.

What Collectors Should Watch Next

The most important factors for Judkins moving forward are straightforward. His workload, his efficiency, and the overall direction of the Browns offense will all shape how the market responds. If he can improve on last season’s 3.6 yards per carry while remaining a central part of the offense, his cards could begin to reflect that growth.

Collectors should also pay attention to how Cleveland handles the quarterback competition and whether the offensive line additions translate into better run blocking. Those developments may not create instant stardom, but they could provide the kind of stability that helps a running back turn volume into stronger production.

For now, Judkins sits in a category that hobby players often like to target: a young running back with a real workload, a plausible path to better numbers, and rookie cards that have not fully priced in a breakout. If the Browns offense takes even a modest step forward, his market could follow.

That makes Quinshon Judkins one of the more interesting 2025 names to keep on the radar as the 2026 NFL season approaches.