August 25, 2025

The Cleveland Browns drafted two running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft -- the second one was former Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson. He broke a variety of Tennessee rushing records and was the SEC offensive player of the year during his massive 2024 campaign, in which he rushed for 1,491 yards and a whopping 22 touchdowns. Sampson has elite long speed, but a hamstring injury in his last game of his 2024 campaign slowed him heading into the offseason, and he wasn't able to participate in the 2025 NFL Combine. His 40-yard dash from his Pro Day wasn't super impressive. Still, the tape shows a highly underrated player. He's a great pass-protector, especially impressive for his size, and has rocket boosters attached to his back. He's a much better tackle-breaker than he gets credit for. This last trait could cause him to get much more volume than many expect, much to the chagrin of fantasy managers of Quinshon Judkins, who was drafted earlier. Sampson is a nice value, though Cleveland's offense is ranked at the bottom of the league and will struggle to put points in 2025. Update 8/25/25: Judkins was arrested this offseason for battery and domestic violence. The Browns' rookie could face discipline under the NFL Personal Conduct Policy, but will not face any charges. However, the Browns have yet to sign him to a rookie deal. Jerome Ford would be Cleveland's lead back, while Sampson should see an increase in touches if Judkins were to be suspended or remain unsigned.--John Johnson