ESPN draft analyst projects Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson as potential replacement for former Georgia star and four-time Pro Bowler
Tennessee Vols RB Dylan Sampson had one of the most productive seasons in SEC history in 2025, at least in one key area – getting into the end zone. The former Vol finished fifth in SEC history for single season rushing touchdowns with 22. Now, Sampson is taking his talents to the next level, and […]
Tennessee Vols RB Dylan Sampson had one of the most productive seasons in SEC history in 2025, at least in one key area – getting into the end zone. The former Vol finished fifth in SEC history for single season rushing touchdowns with 22.
Now, Sampson is taking his talents to the next level, and he should be high on several teams boards when day two of the draft starts on Friday, April 25. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller has Sampson in his recent mock draft going early in the third round at overall pick #67, and it's to a team who could be looking at a changing of the guard at running back: the Cleveland Browns.
Miller had the following to say about Sampson:
Sampson is one of my favorite backs in the draft, with home run speed on a 5-foot-8, 200-pound frame. He is also a dangerous receiving option.
Cleveland would be a very interesting landing spot for Sampson, largely because of who's been holding down that starting RB spot for years: former Georgia RB Nick Chubb. After taking over the starting job in 2018, Chubb was one of the premier runners in the NFL for several years, earning Pro Bowl nods from 2019-22 and second-team All-Pro honors in 2022.
However, Chubb has suffered gruesome knee injuries over his career, including a grotesque injury against Pittsburgh in 2023 that resulted in damage to his ACL, MCL, medial capsule, and meniscus. The Browns have not signed him back in free agency, which is telling about how they feel about him. As such, one would expect Cleveland to look to the draft for help at the position.
Cleveland wouldn't be a great opportunity for Sampson as far as winning right away, as the Browns still don't have an answer at the quarterback position with the draft a few weeks away. They could, however, offer the early opportunity for a significant role on offense for Sampson or any rookie RB that they draft.
We'll find out Sampson's home soon enough, as the Draft gets underway on Thursday, April 24 in Green Bay.
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