Who Should I Start? Bucky Irving or Quinshon Judkins

Thursday, June 26, 6:10 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, who is expected to see more opportunities in 2025, has improved his footwork and pass protection, according to head coach Todd Bowles. "He got to where he needed to be, but his footwork wasn't always the cleanest last season," Bowles says. "He's cleaned that up." Despite only "starting" three games in 2024, Irving finished as the RB13 in point-per-reception scoring in fantasy in his rookie season by racking up 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 207 rushing attempts. He added 47 receptions on 52 targets for 392 yards through the air. The 22-year-old makes up for his lack of size and athleticism with excellent vision and a knack for breaking tackles in open space. The primary concern with Irving as it pertains to being a true RB1 is the question of whether he can be a true workhorse back and withstand all the physical punishment between the tackles.

Saturday, May 31, 1:09 PM

The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that Cleveland Browns rookie second-round running back Quinshon Judkins will get opportunities with the starters sooner than later. Judkins looks the part of an NFL back and is likely to be a big part of their offense after the 21-year-old was selected 36th overall in the second round this year out of Ohio State. He worked with the first-team and third-team offense during OTA practice on Wednesday. Jackson adds that if Judkins can win the starting job by October, the Browns could trade Jerome Ford, who is still the starting RB but is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Judkins may take a back seat to Ford to open the 2025 campaign, but he figures to be at least close to a full-time contributor by the end of his rookie season. The former Buckeye will command a lot of attention in fantasy in both redraft and dynasty/keeper leagues.