History Repeats: Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson Are Following the Paths of Nick Chubb & Sony Michel
Sometimes in sports, the patterns are too eerie to ignore.
Back in 2018, college football fans watched two dynamic running backs, Sony Michel and Nick Chubb, power the Georgia Bulldogs to a national championship appearance. They were a perfect blend of speed and power. When the NFL Draft rolled around, Michel was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round, while Chubb landed with the Cleveland Browns a few picks later at 35th overall early in the second round. Both went on to have immediate impacts for their respective franchises, but their careers ultimately took different arcs. Chubb became a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the best pure runners in the NFL, while Michel, despite some early flashes, struggled to find sustained success and battled injuries before bouncing between teams.
Fast forward to 2025, and history seems to be repeating itself — but this time, the players are Buckeyes.
Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson formed one of the most dynamic backfields in recent college football history at Ohio State. Like Michel and Chubb, they brought a devastating combination of styles: Judkins with his bruising, relentless downhill running, and Henderson with his electrifying burst and breakaway speed. Together, they helped lead Ohio State's offense to a National Championship.
And in a stunning parallel to the 2018 draft, the story wrote itself. The Cleveland Browns snapped up Quinshon Judkins with the 36th pick overall. The New England Patriots then grabbed TreVeyon Henderson with the 38th pick.
Two college teammates, two complementary styles, two franchises known for prioritizing the run game — the symmetry is undeniable.
Much like Michel and Chubb, Henderson and Judkins now have the chance to make an immediate splash. The Patriots have a new coaching regime eager to establish a physical identity, and Henderson looks like a perfect fit. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, Judkins' powerful running should pair well with a Browns offense looking to return to a punishing ground game. The irony is the question of whether Judkins is viewed as a replacement of Nick Chubb?
And just like Michel and Chubb, there may be a divide in how their NFL careers unfold. If history is any indication, one — most likely Judkins — could blossom into a dominant workhorse back in the mold of Nick Chubb, carving out a long and decorated career. The Browns’ offensive scheme and identity seem tailor-made for Judkins' physical, punishing style. Meanwhile, Henderson may flash brilliance early, much like Sony Michel did, but face challenges with durability and consistency that could impact his long-term trajectory.
Of course, no two paths are ever identical. Henderson has the speed and skill set to become a star in his own right if he finds the right role. Judkins, too, will have to prove he can handle the rigors of an NFL season. But the echoes of the past are hard to ignore.
In a league where nothing stays the same for long, it's rare to see history echo so clearly. But for fans in New England and Cleveland, the blueprint is there. If Henderson and Judkins can follow the paths carved by Michel and Chubb — and perhaps even improve on them — both franchises could be looking at the foundation of their next great rushing attacks.
Sometimes, history doesn't just rhyme. It runs right through the tackles.
#NFLDraft #Patriots #Browns #OhioState #RunningBackU #HistoryRepeats
-Marty Midian
