Dylan Sampson | Tennessee 5’8” 200 lbs. 09/14/2004 (20)
Dylan Sampson was drafted 126th overall by the Cleveland Browns, becoming the 12th running back and 126th overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Attempt | TDs |
| 2022 (FR) | 10 | 58 | 397 | 6.8 | 6 |
| 2023 (SO) | 12 | 106 | 604 | 5.7 | 7 |
| 2024 (SR) | 13 | 258 | 1,491 | 5.8 | 22 |
Entering his freshman season at Tennessee, Sampson was slated behind Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small as the third running back on the team’s depth chart. In 10 games as a reserve, Sampson produced 397 rushing yards and six touchdowns, showcasing that he could thrive with more opportunities. That started to come into fruition as he jumped Small on the team’s depth chart but ran behind Wright as the team’s backup running back. Sampson finished tied for the team lead with seven rushing touchdowns and earned his first start in the team’s bowl game at the end of the season. Last season, Sampson finally took over as the team’s lead back, and he turned into a star! His 22 rushing touchdowns were a school record and served as the fourth-most in the FBS. Sampson also produced 1,491 rushing yards (ninth most in the FBS) and earned Third-Team AP All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and First-Team All-SEC honors.
FILM
STRENGTHS
Great burst through the line of scrimmage. Has a second gear in the open space, as he often turns small plays into chunk plays in a hurry. Great decision-making and patience in zone run schemes. Shows great short-area speed, constantly driving his feet through cuts and to end plays, often leaning forward to earn extra yards. Possesses a nasty spin move and filthy jump cut, leaving defenders in the dust after contact. Willing to take on contact as a pass protector, leaning into blitzing defenders instead of waiting for them to pursue.
WEAKNESSES
Significantly lacks the ideal size and frame for a pro back. Tends to do too much, as he bounces outside more than he should instead of taking what’s in front of him. Limited as a pass-catcher. Doesn’t seem like he was trusted with this role during his collegiate career. Major ball security concerns, as he lost four fumbles this past season.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Sampson measured in at 5’8” and 200 lbs, which equates to a BMI of 30.4. At the combine, Sampson neglected to participate in any speed drills, as he dealt with a hamstring injury at the time. He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash (74th) at his Pro Day (unofficial is estimated to be a 4.48), equating to a 96.7 speed score (52nd percentile). Sampson also displayed a 121.5-second burst score (68th percentile) and a college dominator score of 34.1 percent (84th percentile).
When healthy, Sampson’s speed is one of his strong suits. Although he didn’t run at the combine, he participated in a few other drills. Sampson put together a 35” vertical jump and a 126” broad jump (both middle of the pack amongst the other running backs at the Combine). His biggest red flag is his strength, as his 13 reps on the bench press were the fewest amongst nine running back participants.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Great
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Poor
Sampson was selected with the 126th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland decided to double-dip on rookie running backs, as Sampson joins Quinshon Judkins in the running back room. Sampson will likely battle with Jerome Ford for the RB2 spot behind the presumed starter in Judkins.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Sampson received a fourth-round grade from me before the draft. I had him as the sixth-ranked running back.
In your rookie drafts, Sampson is likely a late second-round pick at best, but will likely land in the third round because of the landing spot. He will have his work cut out for him if he wants to earn a decent role in Cleveland’s offense. As it stands right now, both Judkins and Ford are ahead of him on the depth chart. Because Sampson is the second rookie running back the team selected, it’s hard to imagine Sampson ever turning into an RB1.
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