Shedeur Sanders is part of a “great draft class” according to fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins, who has praised the work ethic and talent shown by the Colorado quarterback
16:23 ET, 28 May 2025Updated 08:15 ET, 29 May 2025
Shedeur Sanders’ work ethic has been praised during rookie minicamp(Image: 2025 Aaron M. Sprecher)
Cleveland Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins has claimed that every first-year player within the organization has a strong work ethic, after praising quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders is currently competing with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel to become QB3, with the top two spots on the depth chart expected to be contested by Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. The spotlight has been firmly on Sanders since the 2025 NFL Draft, following his dramatic slide from projected first-round pick to eventual fifth-round selection.
Concerns were raised over Sanders’ attitude heading into the NFL Draft, but Judkins has confirmed that every rookie at the Browns’ facility is talented and ready to work. “As a whole, we had a great draft class,” Judkins told Sports Illustrated. It comes as Tom Brady’s private text message to Shedeur Sanders after draft slide emerges.
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“I think everyone brought attention because of our talent and work ethic. Really, everybody who came in with that mentality of being ready to work. I feel like for myself, as a competitor and as a player, that was one of my goals.”
Judkins won the national championship with Ohio State last season, rushing for 1,060 yards with 16 total touchdowns as a Buckeye in 2024-25. Prior to his arrival at Ohio State, Judkins rushed for 2,725 yards and scored 34 total touchdowns across his first two seasons at Ole Miss.
The running back is currently RB2 on the projected depth chart behind Jerome Ford, with veteran rusher Nick Chubb being released at the end of last season. Judkins was selected by the Browns in the second round of the draft, and is keen to help the franchise change its fortunes moving forward.
Quinshon Judkins is hoping that all rookies can make a difference for the Browns next season(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
“When I come to be a Cleveland Brown, I’m coming in to change the organization, contribute, and do the best I can,” Judkins added. “I know what it takes to win, so I’m going to bring that mentality here to Cleveland and do the same thing.”
Like all rookies heading into their first year of NFL action, Judkins has been heavily analyzed as experts attempt to predict how he can impact the Browns next season. Judkins has made an effort to ignore the outside noise, so that he can focus on Cleveland, himself, and his teammates.
“I really don’t listen to the good or bad,” Judkins said. “That’s just how I was raised, part of my upbringing, just dialed in and focused as an athlete. The people who know me, who recruited me, they know I have a lot of accomplishments.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski instructs Judkins during minicamp(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
“Freshman of the Year SEC, everything. Turn on the tape. It shows. I do everything as a player. Complete running back, every-down running back, catch, block, run 80 yards, 90 yards, whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it. I’m just excited to do it at the next level.”
Sanders has also opted for the approach of letting his talent do the talking, after out-performing Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel during Wednesday’s practice. Sanders completed 7-of-9 passes and had three touchdowns and no interceptions, while his fellow quarterbacks struggled to match that pace.
Gabriel completed 11-of-16 passes with two touchdowns and an interception, while Flacco completed 9-of-14 passes, with one touchdown and no interceptions. Pickett went 9-of-16 with no touchdowns and no interceptions, as Sanders shone during a strong performance.
Of course, early throwing reps during light team drills aren’t comparable to the intensity of practice once the new season draws closer. However, it’s an early indicator that the Browns did well to select Sanders in the fifth round.