Dylan

Sampson

Sampson (5'8/200) totaled both the fourth-most offensive touches (278) and missed tackles forced (83) among Power Five running backs last season, despite his compact frame. He is not guaranteed a year one role with Quinshon Judkins set to start and Jerome Ford still in-house but Sampson should be on re-draft radars as a player to watch in training camp. The Browns announced Sampson’s signing in conjunction with second-round pick LB Carson Schwesinger. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Schwesinger became just “the second second-round pick in NFL history to have a fully guaranteed deal.”

Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Ford was set to earn up to $3.4 million in 2025. Now, the fourth-year vet will get a guaranteed $1.75 million this season and likely has his roster spot secured for the year. Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot points out the signing likely spells the end for Nick Chubb’s time with the Browns. In addition to Ford, the Browns also have rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson on the roster, who have a chance to emerge as the team’s top two backs this season. Chubb recently posted a workout video online, likely to generate interest after remaining unsigned through the NFL Draft, but any hope of a return to Cleveland seem over. The 29-year-old struggled last season after returning from a devastating knee injury that ended his 2023 campaign, rushing 102 times for 332 yards and three scores while averaging a career-worst 3.3 YPC. Chubb may need to settle for a one-year team-friendly deal if he hopes to play anywhere in 2025.

Cleveland’s reporters were, understandably, more interested in asking questions about Shedeur Sanders than getting Berry to continue talking about Sampson. Berry also called Sampson “a bit undersized” for his “tough and physical style.” It sounds like Sampson will be groomed as a long-term third-down back for Cleveland, though it’s possible he isn’t able to beat out Jerome Ford for that role immediately.

Sampson (5’8/200) backed up current Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright for two seasons before landing the starting gig in 2024. He made the most of his newfound role with 1,491 yards and a school-record 22 rushing touchdowns on 258 carries. Sampson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts. Sampson is a jump-cut runner who sees the field well, getting everything that’s blocked for him and then some. The former Vol doesn’t bring much to the table as a receiver or pass-blocker, likely limiting him to two downs in the pros. He also needs to work on ball security during the summer after coughing up four fumbles in his final season. Sampson has the makings of a plus starter for an inside zone rushing team, but his limited skill set and light production until his final season likely knocked him down some teams’ draft boards. He could factor into a backfield with immense uncertainty in Cleveland.

Underhill declares the running back position “a need” for the Saints, “maybe not right now, but it will be for sure, in the future.” The Saints have also reportedly met with Georgia RB Trevor Etienne and Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson. New Saints head coach Kellen Moore reportedly “likes” Jeanty quite a bit. Alvin Kamara figures to remain the main back for the Saints in 2025 even with a drafted rookie, but the veteran will turn 30 in July.

The Vols finally net their first RB of the 2022 class with Sampson. At 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, Sampson is not the biggest running back around, but he’s slippery and has all the speed you might imagine a smaller runner has. Sampson was well recruited by other quality P5 programs, too. Indiana, Louisville, Cal, Arkansas, South Carolina, and plenty of others all tried to get Sampson on campus.