Dylan Sampson Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Michael Woods/AP)
School: Tennessee
Class: Junior
Position: RB
HT: 5’8
WT: 200 lbs
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Background: Dylan Sampson was a 4-star running back out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sampson was a top 15 player in Louisia and a top 30 running back nationally. Sampson played for Dutchtown High School, where he shattered the school’s all-time rushing yards record, previously set by Eddie Lacy, with 4,927 rushing yards. He was named an all-state selection in all 3 of his final high school seasons. He was also named the 2020 Most Outstanding Offensive Player. Along with football, Sampson was an elite track athlete, being named to the 2022 All-Metro Track Team. Sampson also had over a 4.0 GPA in high school. Dylan Sampson committed to Tennessee over Purdue, Vanderbilt, Louisville, and others.
College: As a third string running back in 2022, Sampson totaled 397 yards for the Volunteers and had a 100-yard game against Vanderbilt. Sampson moved up the depth chart in 2023 and had 604 yards in 12 games. In 2024, Sampson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Second Team All-American, and First Team All-SEC after rushing for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Strengths: Dylan Sampson is a shorter, yet powerful, running back who is used productively in short yardage situations. His shorter frame allows him to get low and squeeze between the tackles undetected and advance to the second level. Sampson has a powerful lower half that allows him to survive initial contact and run through potential tacklers. That powerful frame and ability to run between the tackles creates for an effective goal line running back. Sampson has a knack for falling forward, fighting for every blade of grass. With that being said, he is not just a one dimensional back as he has the burst and speed to bounce to the outside and gash defenses with speed. Sampson is sharp with his cuts and can make defenders miss in open space. Sampson is a patient runner and waits for blocks to develop in front of him before committing to a running lane.
Weaknesses: Sampson’s concerns can also stem from his lack of an elite frame. At his size, it is unlikely that he will be able to sustain a heavy workload. He is more susceptible to being heavily impacted by the constant banging and bruising that comes with being a running back. Sampson had ball security issues at Tennessee. He seemed to carry the football too loosely and it was almost too easy for defenders to rip the ball from his arms.
Conclusion: Dylan Sampson has the skillset to be a specialist in an NFL backfield. His short yardage upside will carve out a role for him for quite some time. He needs to improve as a pass catcher. He will also need to prove that he can be a workhorse. He may be best suited for a committee backfield.
Scheme Fit: Gap Rushing Offense
Ideal Role: Short Yardage RB
Best Team Fits: MIA, DAL, LVR
Player Comparison: Ray Davis
Player Grade: Round 4 (68.8)
