The Cleveland Browns selected Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson with the 126th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, adding a dynamic and versatile weapon to their backfield.

Strengths

Sampson boasts elite vision, patience, and burst, allowing him to excel in both zone and gap schemes. His compact frame (5’8″, 200 lbs) and strong lower body contribute to his impressive contact balance, enabling him to shed tacklers and navigate tight spaces effectively. In 2024, he rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year . Analysts praise his ability to maximize runs with innate gap-finding skills and improvisational prowess . Despite limited usage in the passing game, he demonstrated reliable hands and potential as a receiving threat during combine drills .

Weaknesses

Concerns about Sampson’s size raise questions about his durability and effectiveness as a feature back in the NFL. Ball security is an issue; he fumbled four times in 2024, equating to one fumble every 64.5 rushes . His pass protection skills are underdeveloped, with lapses in blitz pickup and technique . Additionally, his limited experience as a receiver and need to refine his route tree may restrict his versatility early in his professional career .

Sampson’s addition to the Browns’ roster, alongside fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins, suggests a strategic move to bolster the running back position amid uncertainties surrounding Nick Chubb’s return. With his explosive playmaking ability and adaptability, Sampson has the potential to make an immediate impact in Cleveland’s offense, provided he addresses his ball security and pass protection shor

tcomings.