Dylan Sampson was one of the most productive running backs in college football in 2024, and his scouting report evaluates how productive he might be in the NFL.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report and Film Analysis of Tennessee Running Back Dylan Sampson
Measurables:
Height- 5’8″
Weight- 200 lbs
Player Background:
Sampson attended Dutchtown High School in Louisiana, where he was a four-star running back recruit. He committed to Tennessee and immediately made an impact, rushing for 397 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. Sampson became the full-time starter for Tennessee in his junior season in 2024. In his first year as a starter, Sampson was incredibly productive leading the SEC in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, while also setting a new single-season school record with 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns. He earned First Team All-SEC honors and won SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
Strengths:
Sampson is a dangerous runner in open space, with the ability to outrun defenders and create big plays. He is an extremely shifty and elusive running back who led the SEC with 70 missed tackles forced in 2024, according to PFF. He is adept at making defenders miss and has a very effective spin move that he uses often. Despite being a smaller running back, Sampson has excellent contact balance and is a quality runner in short-yardage situations. He runs extremely hard and always fights to pick up extra yards.
Sampson is a patient runner with good vision and instincts. Behind the line of scrimmage, he does a great job at making something out of nothing when a play gets blown up early. In 2024, Sampson proved to be a very consistent and reliable runner for Tennessee, rushing for over 100 yards in 10 out of 12 games and scoring at least one touchdown in all but one game. Beyond his rushing ability, Sampson is also a strong and willing pass protector.
Weaknesses:
At 5’8” and 200 pounds, Sampson is an undersized running back. Ball security is another notable concern. He fumbled the ball four times in 2024 and often gives defenders opportunities to rip the ball away while he is fighting for extra yards. Additionally, Sampson is not a big threat as a receiver. He is not a sure-handed pass catcher and had just 20 receptions, mostly from screens and checkdowns, in 2024. While Sampson was highly productive in 2024, it was his only season as a full-time starter in college.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Sampson is an incredible runner. His great combination of burst, speed, elusiveness, contact balance and patience as a runner make him someone that can make an immediate impact in the run game for any offense. However, his limitations as a receiver could limit the impact he can make in the NFL. His smaller frame and physical play style also raise concerns. Sampson will need to improve his ball security and develop as a receiver to become a more well-rounded running back at the next level, but he has the potential to be a very productive starting running back in the NFL.
Prospect Grade:
Third Round
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
