NFL insider describes Tennessee Vols draft pick as being part of the 'end of an era' for four-time Pro Bowler
Former Tennessee Vols RB Dylan Sampson had one of the greatest seasons in both Tennessee and SEC history last year for the Vols. That was good enough to earn him the opportunity to help replace one of the greatest NFL running backs of the last several years. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler noted on Wednesday […]
Former Tennessee Vols RB Dylan Sampson had one of the greatest seasons in both Tennessee and SEC history last year for the Vols. That was good enough to earn him the opportunity to help replace one of the greatest NFL running backs of the last several years.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler noted on Wednesday that the picks of Sampson and Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins, taken by the Browns in the fourth and second rounds, respectively, are being looked at by the organization as the "end of an era" from Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
The Browns look at the selections of running backs Quinshon Judkins (second round) and Dylan Sampson (fourth) as the end of an era of sorts. Cleveland had a good run with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt but knew it needed to get younger and more explosive. Retooling the backfield was a priority entering the draft.
Chubb and Hunt formed arguably the best running back duo in the NFL from 2019 to 2022. Cleveland finished as a top 10 rushing unit in the league each year from 2020-2022, with Chubb leading the way over that span with 3851 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns. He earned four Pro Bowl nods with the Browns.
However, injuries and a high workload have worn the former Georgia Bulldog standout down, while Hunt reunited last year with his first NFL team in the Kansas City Chiefs. Cleveland has not made any efforts this offseason to bring Chubb back.
The Browns, who are known for their dedication to their ground game, made clear they're looking to get younger and better with the addition of the physical Judkins and the dynamic Sampson, who shattered Tennessee rushing records and finished fifth in SEC history last year in rushing touchdowns.
As such, it appears as though the Vols' offensive MVP in 2024 could end up finding a key role quickly for the Browns.
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