The Cleveland Browns can’t escape NFL drama. Not only are they in the middle of the most followed quarterback battle, starring none other than Shedeur Sanders, but they have the only drafted rookie to not sign his contract. Running back Quishon Judkins was a second-round pick but legal issues have stalled his football status.
That’s why the team has signed running back Toa Taua. The 25-year old played the last three years for the Michigan Panthers, from the USFL/UFL. Last season, he led the league with 6 rushing touchdowns.
After spending five seasons in Nevada, Taua went undrafted back in 2023. He racked up 3,995 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns during his collegiate days. Taua stands at 5-feet-9 and is a stocky guy weighing in at 218 lbs of brute strength.
Taua is not expected to start, but the Browns love a committee
Kevin Stefanski loves distributing the rock among his running backs. Even if he had prime Nick Chubb back in the day, the coach loves having plenty of guys ready to roll in the running department. That’s why Kareem Hunt also shone back in the day. Now with both gone, it was time for Jerome Ford and rookie Quishon Judkins to take the baton. However, Judkins’ legal issues might give that chance to Toa Taua.
Running back Toa Taua #35 of the Nevada Wolf Pack celebrates after he ran for a 4-yard touchdown against the UNLV Rebels in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wolf Pack defeated the Rebels 37-19.
Taua has the strength to run through contact, but his style also adapts. He is a patient runner and has quick cuts. Taua has a good mix of strength and jukes. He is tough to tackle in open space.
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What’s the status on Judkins?
Judkins is facing a domestic violence charge that got him arrested on July 12. Hence, he hasn’t signed the rookie contract, and it’s more likely than not that this won’t get any clearer until his case is resolved.
This means the Browns are not taking Judkins into consideration for at least the near future. Stefanski has dealt with unavailable stars in the past and has other problems like solving the Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel quarterback battle, so wasting too much efforts on a player who is not with the team might not be in his priorities.
