In the NFL Draft, the best teams know that the draft is not won on day 1. Sometimes, you have to find your electric playmakers in Rounds 2, 3, or 4. Today’s report covers an electric playmaking running back who is making some serious waves in the SEC.
Dylan Sampson joined the University of Tennessee as a 3 star recruit from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Before joining the vols, Dylan was a standout on the track team for his high school in Baton Rouge.
In addition, he also shattered his high school program’s record for all-time rushing yards, with 4,927 (held previously by Eddie Lacy.) While he didn’t see the field early in his career, when he did hit the field, you could feel the talent just radiating from him.
In 2023, Dylan rushed for 604 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging over 5.5 yards per carry. He also added 175 yards and a touchdown through the air as well. So far this season, Dylan has smashed all expectations, with 15 touchdowns on the ground, which leads the entire SEC, and is second in the nation (Ashton Jeanty leading the way with 17).
Dylan’s blazing speed has translated well from the track to the gridiron, as he has been clocked at 4.32 in the 40 yard dash and 10.48 seconds in the 100 meter dash as well. He pairs this amazing speed with outstanding vision as a ball carrier, allowing him to take advantage of the smallest gap and run for daylight on any given down.
Player Info
Name: Dylan Sampson
Jersey: No. 6
Position: Running Back
School: University of Tennessee
Class: Junior
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 200 lbs.
Dylan Sampson’s Strengths
If it hasn’t been said enough before, Dylan’s breakaway speed is deadly for opposing defenses in the SEC. Any carrier could be taken to the house if Dylan is given even the slightest bit of leverage.
He also shows excellent vision and anticipation as a runner, waiting for his blocks to appear and keeping his eyes open for any cutback lanes he can slide into as well. His natural hands and route running abilities out of the backfield also can help him as well, as creative offensive coordinators will find ways to get him the ball in space.
Despite a heavy college workload for Dylan, he has stayed injury free, and he also can be a quick study (he has received SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition previously), which means he can pick up NFL playbooks quicker than your average runner.
Dylan Sampson’s Weaknesses
He is undersized as a runner, while this report has him listed at 200 lbs., he appears much smaller on film, closer to 185-190. This size concern could hamper his ability to take on a full workload at the next level, including in goal line formations.
Ball security issues can be a concern as well; Dylan has shown some fumbling issues, especially when fighting for extra yards in traffic. He also relies too heavily on his speed, trying to bounce runs outside when there are available runs up the middle to be had. Dylan must learn to take what a defense gives him, rather than trying to take every run to the house.
Draft Projection
Currently, I have Dylan as a mid 2nd round selection, and my RB4. Side note, if you want to check out my top 10 Running backs, you can check that out here!
His overall frame is going to limit his ability to be a every down, bell cow style of running back but with his elite speed and burst, he profiles well as a change of pace running back who can provide a shot in the arm to an NFL Offense.
Some NFL Teams who should have Dylan on their radar:
- Cleveland Browns (Even with Nick Chubb back in the fold, this running back room in Cleveland could use some serious speed, as well as a runner who can take the load off of Chubb. You can also use Dylan in passing situations as well, to give Cleveland’s quarterback (whoever that may be) an added option in the passing game as well.)
- Las Vegas Raiders (Giving the Silver and Black a speedster like Dylan would be wonders for this offense, as not only could it take the load off of Zamir White, but both Abdullah and Mattison are free agents after the 2024 season, so running back could be high on the Raiders board.)
- Chicago Bears (Giving Caleb Williams a speedster like Dylan out of the backfield would be huge for his development, especially with Khalil Herbert hitting free agency. This is my likeliest landing spot for Dylan Sampson.)
Any team that selects Dylan should know that he should be featured as the “dash” in a smash & dash running back by committee and with teams like the Lions and Panthers showing you can put a premium on 2 star runners, any team can easily solve half of that equation with Dylan.
My Comparison For Dylan Sampson: Shane Vereen, RB, New England Patriots/New York Giants
