It wasn’t a secret the Chicago Bears were hunting for running back help in the 2025 NFL draft. New head coach Ben Johnson liked to build around a strong ground attack, opening up his lethal play action game. To do that, you need a back who can keep ahead of the chains and force defenses to respect him. There was no shortage of options in the incoming draft class. One of the names expected to be high on the list for GM Ryan Poles was Quinshon Judkins. The Ohio State standout was the enforcer for the eventual national champions. He felt like the perfect David Montgomery-type that Johnson would love.
Unfortunately, the Cleveland Browns selected Judkins 36th overall in the 1st round, which hurts, considering the Bears picked 39th. As it turns out, fate may have been on their side. A few months later, news broke that Judkins was involved in a serious incident involving domestic violence and battery. It happened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Judkins was arrested on misdemeanor charges. It is an ugly outcome, no matter how you spin it, and a reminder that sometimes missing out on players can be a blessing in disguise.
Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested on a domestic violence and battery charge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday, according to the Fort Lauderdale Police department and Broward County arrest records.
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— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 13, 2025
One thing about Ryan Poles is that he avoids the head cases.
To date, the Bears’ GM has managed to avoid drafting anybody who ended up being a serious off-the-field problem. The closest he came was Tyrique Stevenson, who is more of a knucklehead on the field than anything else. Given this development, it is fair to wonder if the Bears would’ve taken Judkins had he been available. While there were no controversies that surfaced about him leading up to the draft, it would’ve been interesting if Ryan Poles might’ve sensed something off during interviews. Thankfully, we’ll never know. He is Cleveland’s problem now. Worse for him is the fact that Judkins still hasn’t signed his rookie contract. Any hope of securing that fully guaranteed deal other 2nd rounders want is all but out the window now.