Steelers Escaped Disaster As Cleveland Browns Rookie Is Not Reporting To Training Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 offseason with several clear needs throughout the roster. General Manager Omar Khan has done a nice job being aggressive and revamping a depth chart that had to be mixed up. One of the more intriguing new names in the Steel City is rookie running back, Kaleb Johnson. The organization was expected to invest in the position after Najee Harris left in free agency, and the University of Iowa product could find himself in a starting role sooner rather than later. Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin did a lot of homework on ball-carriers throughout the draft process.

The Steelers met with several running back prospects during the offseason, which is why it was looked at as a little unpredictable as to when the team would select a ball-carrier in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ohio State University was a college to keep an eye on, as both Tomlin and Khan had dinner with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.

Without a second-round pick due to the DK Metcalf trade, some speculated that Pittsburgh would do the same thing that it did back in 2021, and take a running back in round one. Both Henderson and Judkins could have been considered, but the Steelers eventually passed on that approach due to the significant need for help on the defensive line. This led to the selection of Derrick Harmon.

Henderson aside, it sure is a good thing that the Steelers passed on Judkins in the first round, and that he wasn't available later on. The Cleveland Browns took him with the 36th overall pick, and he has been involved in a legal issue that has led to a domestic violence charge. Due to this, he has yet to sign his rookie deal and did not report with his draft-mates to Cleveland's training camp, per Mary Kay Cabot.

It's always going to be looked at as concerning when any player is charged with something criminally, but Judkins is facing an uphill battle, as his charges include both domestic violence and battery. Regardless of how the legal process plays out, he will show up late to the Browns' facility and the team faces a difficult contract negotiation with Judkins' camp due to the recent second-round pick drama.

The Steelers showed interest in Judkins, but it's clear he was never going to make it to the third round and, for Pittsburgh, it's good that he didn't. Franchises invest heavily in early-round selections, which is why the Browns are currently in a tough spot. Judkins could also be suspended depending on how his situation plays out in court.

It's not likely that Pittsburgh would have taken Judkins if the decision was made to take a running back in the first round, but altogether, Khan and co. escaped some messy off-the-field issues with the rookie. Time will tell if he signs his deal without a full guarantee in there, but he has to resolve his legal matters first before he reports to Cleveland's facility.

Steelers Will Certainly Lean On Johnson In The Next Few Seasons

Pittsburgh may have gotten the running back steal of the draft when it comes to Johnson. The ball-carrier will have several opportunities to prove himself early on in his career, which is why the offense may be set up for the near future regarding the position. Overall, it can be looked at as a positive in the Steel City that the dinner with the Ohio State prospects did not end up leading to Judkins playing for the Steelers.

Do you think that Judkins will play for the Browns in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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