The Browns may stall Quinshon Judkins’s signing until the NFL’s internal review wraps, leaving room for a possible suspension despite no criminal charges. Judkins’s fully guaranteed rookie deal adds leverage to the stalemate, and the option to sit out and re-enter the draft looms as his only bargaining chip. In Cleveland, Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford look primed to absorb more carries if Judkins isn’t ready, with Pierre Strong Jr. as the next man in line, reshaping the backfield’s fantasy calculus for 2025.

From a fantasy perspective, Sampson gains immediate value if Judkins sits out or is held out, while Ford could surge as the lead in Ohio. Strong’s role would likely expand in a committee, especially on early downs. The broader NFL landscape adds further intriguing X-factors: the Commanders’ ongoing RB churn around Brian Robinson Jr., and the Metchie-to-Eagles/Harrison Bryant swap, hinting at shifting backfields and pass-catching roles across the league that could influence late-round drafts and weekly bets.

Cleveland inked Quinshon Judkins in the 2025 NFL draft with the expectation he could eventually take over the Browns’ backfield from Nick Chubb. A July arrest on domestic violence and battery charges briefly paused that plan, but prosecutors declined to move forward, paving the way for a spring/early training-camp return. Judkins’ college resume remains stellar: 3,785 rushing yards, 45 rushing touchdowns, plus 59 catches for 442 yards in three seasons between Ohio State and Ole Miss. Once signed, he’ll compete for the starter role with Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford, who combined for big college and last season Browns production. The dynamic shapes up as a high-upside fantasy scenario if Judkins seizes the job, or a transparent committee if he’s eased in behind established Browns backs.

The Browns’ depth chart adds intrigue for fantasy managers: Ford led Cleveland last year with 565 rushing yards and three touchdowns; Sampson is coming off 1,491 yards and 22 TDs in 2024 at Tennessee, while Judkins’ pro-ready versatility could cut into every-down role. The litigation matter is resolved for now, but the timing of Judkins’ signing and camp entry will matter for early-season usage and upside. Expect this to become a focal point in Browns training camp reports and fantasy-slate discussions as August approaches.

Quinshon Judkins carries a compelling college profile into the NFL, but 2025 faces a cloud from legal trouble that could land him on the commissioner’s exempt list, potentially wiping out his rookie year. Cleveland positioning him as an early-down back would be ideal, yet the Browns’ depth behind him shapes the entire backfield dynamic. If Judkins misses time, Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson step into the primary roles, reshaping value across the Browns’ offense.

Judkins’ 2024 tape showed power and steadiness, with 1,060 yards and 14 rushing TDs on 194 carries after the Ole Miss move, plus limited but real receiving usage. His college arc includes 1,567 yards and 16 TD as a freshman, then a rebound to 1,060/14 with increased workload split. The projection for 2025 (177 rushing attempts, 672 yards, 6 rush TD; 39 receptions, 306 yards, 3 rec TD; ~9 total TD) gives him PPR upside if he can stay on the field. Yet the safety risk is real, turning this into a high-upside dart throw at best and a clear avoid if the legal situation prevents play.

The Browns head into joint practice with a high-profile, two-day session against the Eagles. Fifteen Browns players are spotlighted for a show-me environment that could sharpen fantasy value across the offense and defense. Shedeur Sanders leads the way as a rookie quarterback in a contract-year orbit, while Joe Flacco provides veteran stability. Jerry Jeudy offers surgical route-running against Philadelphia’s secondary. David Njoku aims to capitalize on a contract year, with Jerome Ford expected to lead the backfield and Joel Bitonio stabilizing the interior. The defense centers on Myles Garrett’s pass rush, with a young group around him including Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, and Cameron Mitchell. Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense looms, but the Browns’ depth could create multiple fantasy leverage points over the two days.

Expect Sanders to test the Eagles’ coverage, and watch how Njoku and Ford convert opportunities into dependable fantasy outputs as the Browns push for a decisive two-day showing. Bitonio’s return anchors the line, while Davis and Johnson provide potential sleeper targets if the offense leans into quick-game concepts. Garrett’s play will be a barometer for how quickly Cleveland can transition pressure into splash plays. In sum, the practices should yield clear signals on where fantasy value could swing in Cleveland’s offense and defense, especially for those holding Browns exposure heading into the season.

The Cleveland Browns are facing a tumultuous season, with fantasy enthusiasts eyeing the running back position closely. Quinshon Judkins, a rookie expected to make waves, is currently absent from training camp due to legal troubles, leaving Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson vying for leadership in the backfield.

Jerome Ford, already familiar to the fantasy community, is likely to step up in the absence of Judkins. He showcased promise last season, making him a dependable option. Meanwhile, Dylan Sampson has shown flashes of potential in preseason activities, raising questions about who will ultimately emerge as the RB1.

Drafting decisions loom as fantasy managers weigh the risk of Judkins against the more reliable performances from Ford and Sampson. Analyzing their strengths and recent trends will be crucial in determining the best course for the upcoming 2025 season.