The 2026 Cleveland Browns are in an intriguing position. They have a new regime with coach Todd Monken taking control of the team and a lot of young players, specifically on the offensive side of the field. There are a myriad of players who can take that next step in their career and make a significant leap forward with their production. Let’s take a deeper dive into who one outlet believes will fill that role for the Cleveland Browns this season.
Quinshon Judkins is labeled as the Cleveland Browns’ breakout candidate for the 2026 season
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Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (10) carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Athletic wrote an article where they discussed one player for each team ahead of NFL Training Camp who can be a breakout candidate. Cleveland Browns beat reporter Zac Jackson chose running back Quinshon Judkins as the team’s breakout candidate. Below is what he wrote about [why he chose Judkins](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7440963/2026/07/13/nfl-breakout-player-team-roster/):
> “Judkins missed all of training camp last summer while dealing with an assault charge that was eventually dropped. He started in Week 2, just eight days and three practices after signing, and immediately showed why the Browns consider him such a big part of their future.
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> “A fractured fibula and dislocated ankle last December ended his first NFL season, but he was ahead of his rehab schedule in the spring and figures to be featured in new coach Todd Monken’s offense. Judkins has to be healthy and has to learn to play on the pass downs he couldn’t last year due to his summer absence, but he’s going to get plenty of chances to prove he’s an explosive and reliable runner at the game’s highest level.”
Judkins had a solid rookie season with the Cleveland Browns as in 14 games, he recorded 230 rushing attempts for 827 yards (3.6 yards per carry) with seven rushing touchdowns as well as 26 catches on 36 targets for 171 yards (6.6 yards per reception). With the quarterback battle going on between Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel, there will be an emphasis on running the football.
The Cleveland Browns have a lot of young talent and a brand new offensive line with four of the five players being new to the Browns this offseason (three signings, one draftee). Judkins has some boom-or-bust potential, but the franchise is hoping they can unlock one of the top running backs in the National Football League for the 2026 season.
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