Count the Cincinnati Bengals as fans of Ohio State’s star-studded backfield.
Per NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport, Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins (6-foot, 221 pounds) is scheduled to meet with the Bengals on Wednesday after visiting the Houston Texans on Monday. He’s also set to interview with the Denver Broncos later this week.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler posted on X Monday that the Bengals are meeting with fellow Buckeyes RB TreVeyon Henderson (5-foot-10, 202 pounds) later this week.
Bengals RB Chase Brown rushed for a career-high 990 yards in 16 games in 2024, but Cincinnati could still use another ball-carrier. It finished 30th in the league in rushing yards (92.6) last season.
The Bengals could target Judkins or Henderson in the second round. If they do, which Buckeye should they take?
Both played a key role during Ohio State’s national championship run in 2024. Judkins led the team in rushing yards (1,060 in 16 games), while Henderson finished with the team’s second-most yards on the ground (1,016 in 16 games).
Henderson’s pass-protection skills may make him a better fit for the Bengals, considering quarterback Joe Burrow’s injury history.
Burrow tore his ACL during his rookie season in 2020 and suffered a season-ending right wrist injury in 2023. The two-time Comeback Player of the Year played in 17 games in 2024 but still took 48 sacks, tied for the fourth most in the league.
“[Henderson is] a pro-ready pass protector and one of the draft’s best backs in this regard,” wrote The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs in a February scouting report. “Henderson doesn’t take the cheap way out and cut free runners frequently, instead showing the ability to keep his head up and properly punch in the strike zone while maintaining the depth of pocket.”
The franchise probably can’t go wrong with either RB, but if it drafted Henderson, that may be the better choice.
