Dylan Sampson, the dynamic running back from the University of Tennessee, has emerged as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. At 5’11” and 201 pounds, Sampson combines elite speed with impressive agility and vision, making him a potential game-changer at the next level.
College Career
Sampson’s journey at Tennessee has been nothing short of remarkable. After joining the program as a three-star recruit out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he steadily climbed the depth chart, showcasing his explosive speed and versatility. His progression over three seasons has been impressive:
– 2022: 58 carries, 397 yards, 6 TDs
– 2023: 106 carries, 604 yards, 7 TDs
– 2024: 258 carries, 1,491 yards, 22 TDs
His junior year in 2024 was particularly outstanding, as he led the SEC in rushing yards per game (114.69) and total points scored (132). Sampson’s performance earned him the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award and second-team All-America honors.
Strengths
Elite Speed: Sampson’s most notable attribute is his blazing speed. He has been clocked at a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash and has reached speeds of 22-23 mph during games[3]. This game-breaking speed allows him to outrun defenders and turn short gains into long touchdowns.
Agility and Elusiveness: Beyond his straight-line speed, Sampson possesses exceptional lateral quickness and cutting ability. He excels at making defenders miss in the open field, which contributes to his impressive yards after contact.
Vision and Patience: Sampson demonstrates excellent field vision, allowing him to identify and exploit gaps in the defense. His patience behind the line of scrimmage, combined with his burst, enables him to maximize his runs.
Versatility: While primarily a rusher, Sampson has shown ability as a receiver out of the backfield. In his college career, he accumulated 40 receptions for 342 yards, displaying his potential as a three-down back in the NFL.
Durability: Despite his relatively smaller frame, Sampson has shown the ability to handle a heavy workload. In 2024, he carried the ball 258 times while maintaining his efficiency, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
Weaknesses
Size: At 201 pounds, Sampson is on the smaller side for an NFL running back. This could raise concerns about his ability to withstand the physical toll of being an every-down back at the professional level.
Pass Protection: While Sampson has shown improvement in this area, his pass protection skills may need further development to become a complete three-down back in the NFL.
Receiving Production: Although he has shown potential as a receiver, Sampson’s receiving numbers decreased in his junior year despite increased playing time. NFL teams may want to see more consistency in this aspect of his game.
NFL Projection
Sampson’s skill set projects him as a potential impact player in the NFL. His elite speed and agility make him an ideal fit for zone-based rushing schemes, where he can use his vision and burst to exploit cutback lanes. His ability to create big plays both as a runner and receiver could make him a valuable weapon in modern NFL offenses.
A fair NFL comparison for Sampson might be Buffalo Bills running back James Cook. Both players are slightly undersized but compensate with exceptional speed, elusiveness, and the ability to contribute in the passing game.
Given his production, athletic traits, and potential for growth, Sampson is projected to be selected in the second to third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a dynamic, big-play threat in their backfield will likely have Sampson high on their draft boards.
Intangibles
Off the field, Sampson has demonstrated strong leadership qualities as a member of Tennessee’s leadership council. He has excelled academically, earning SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition, and has participated in community service initiatives, including the VOLeaders Academy program.
Conclusion
Dylan Sampson enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most exciting running back prospects. His combination of elite speed, agility, and production at the college level make him an intriguing option for NFL teams. While his size may be a concern for some, his ability to create big plays and contribute in multiple facets of the game could make him a valuable asset in the modern NFL offense. As he continues to develop his all-around game, particularly in pass protection and receiving, Sampson has the potential to become a dynamic playmaker at the professional level.
