Dylan Sampson had a breakout season for the Vols in 2024 with 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns. The 5’11” and 201-pound back combines speed, strength, and elite vision.
5 Potential NFL Draft Landing Spots for Dylan Sampson
Sampson averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his collegiate career and never dipped below 5.7 yards in a single season. Heading into 2024, he had only 164 total carries, but he turned his 258 attempts in 2024 into impressive stats and tape.
It’s a deep running back class, and Sampson is a day two option for teams looking to add an RB1. Here are five potential landing spots for the Tennessee standout.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have just two running backs on their roster, and it makes a lot of sense for them to add a high-end running back as a piece in their rebuild. Sampson is a guy who can come in and handle a significant workload and adds big play potential.
There’s a lot of uncertainty in this offense, and a strong running game would quickly raise their floor. With four picks on day two, using one on Sampson would be a heady move.
Chicago Bears
Running back is a need heading into day two, and the Bears hold three picks, two of which are in the second round. After adding Loveland in the first round, Sampson would bring another much-needed piece to this retooled offense.
The Bears were tied for the third-worst yards per carry in 2024, and the pairing of Swift and Sampson would fare well behind the new look offensive line.
San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is reported to be healthy heading into the 2025 season, but he hasn’t played a full season since 2019 and has only played double-digit games in a year twice in that span. For an offense that thrives on the run game, Sampson would be a great addition and insurance policy.
Samspon may fit more, in terms of draft spot, between the 49ers’ first two picks tonight, 43rd and 75th overall, but he’d be a great piece if it all works out.
Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Booker was a nice addition last night, and it should help the run game in Dallas, but they still need to add a talented running back. The Cowboys only have two picks over the next three rounds, and like the 49ers, they would either need to reach a bit or hope Sampson falls to them.
To me, it would make a lot of sense for Dallas to try to trade down from the 44th pick by a half round or so and take Sampson there, while also looking to add a third- or fourth-round pick in the process.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos went defense on day one, and running back remains a glaring hole. Javonte Williams is gone, and it’s a good time for them to take another swing at adding a true RB1.
They currently hold the 51st pick tonight, which would be the perfect opportunity to add Sampson. Giving Bo Nix a homerun-hitting running back in his second season is good for business.
KEEP READING: Top 300 Prospects — Get Your Free Printable 2025 NFL Draft Big Board
This is a deep running back class, and Sampson is one of the more intriguing options. Sampson will need to reduce fumbles this year and improve his pass protection, but he should be an immediate impact player in the NFL.
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