Nov 16, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson (6) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Dylan Sampson RB Tennessee | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Dylan Sampson RB Tennessee
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/20/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.35 seconds (97%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.5 DOB: 09/14/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |
| Last Updated: 02/20/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.35 seconds (97%*) | |
| Age: 20.5 DOB: 09/14/2004 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 85.2 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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76% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
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95% |
| Break Tackles: |
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80% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
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73% |
| Pass Blocking: |
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61% |
| Run Blocking: |
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61% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Late
Overall Rank:
#62
Position rank:
#5
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| College Games: 34 College Snaps: 1023 | ||
ESPN RATING: 78/100
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247 RATING: 90/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.7 (93%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| James Cook - Georgia |
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70% |
| Jaylen Wright - Tennessee |
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68% |
| Trey Benson - Florida State |
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56% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Dylan Sampson arrived in Knoxville as a three-star recruit who had shattered Eddie Lacy's rushing records at Dutchtown High School in Louisiana. The 5'11", 190-pound speedster brought track-star wheels (10.48 in the 100m) and a 4.0 GPA to Rocky Top, but started his career third on the depth chart behind Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small.After showing flashes of brilliance in spot duty as a freshman and sophomore, Sampson seized control of the Volunteers' backfield in 2024 and promptly demolished the program's single-season record books. His historic junior campaign included Tennessee records for rushing yards (1,491), rushing touchdowns (22), total touchdowns (22), and consecutive games with a rushing score (11). Against SEC competition, Sampson was even more lethal, piling up 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns in conference play.
The academic standout and community service leader capped his collegiate career with SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and second-team All-America recognition. His 35 career rushing touchdowns rank second in Tennessee history, while his 2,492 rushing yards place him ninth all-time - remarkable considering he only started 14 games.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional burst through the hole with rare second-gear acceleration that turns modest creases into chunk plays - clocked at 22-23 MPH in games
- Shows advanced zone-read patience and decision-making, masterfully pressing the line before hitting his cuts with precise timing and burst
- Creates yards beyond blocking with nasty jump cuts and a devastating spin move that regularly leaves defenders grasping at air
- Despite size limitations, runs with impressive forward lean and contact balance - 929 of his 1,491 yards in 2024 came after contact
- Elite short-area quickness with lightning-quick feet to navigate traffic and set up blocks, especially effective in gap schemes
- Processes information at an elite level pre-snap and shows veteran savvy identifying defensive fronts and potential pressure
- Converts in money situations with excellent vision and decisiveness - 80% success rate on third-and-short attempts
- Shows surprising pop as a pass protector, using leverage and technique to stonewall much larger defenders
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Significantly undersized for a feature back at 190 pounds, raising legitimate questions about durability under a full NFL workload
- Ball security is a major concern - four lost fumbles in 2024 and shows vulnerability to defenders raking at the ball
- Limited experience as a receiver with only 39 career catches and struggles adjusting to throws outside his frame
- Can get too cute at times trying to bounce runs outside rather than taking available yards between the tackles
- Pass protection recognition needs work - shows hesitation picking up complex blitz packages and stunts
Scouting Report: Summary
The tape shows a dynamic runner whose success transcends scheme - Sampson's elite acceleration and precise footwork made him lethal in both gap and zone concepts at Tennessee. His rapid mental processing stands out in pre-snap recognition, and he consistently manipulates second-level defenders with subtle tempo changes. The natural instincts and spatial awareness can't be taught - watch how he sets up blocks against Alabama and Florida, letting plays develop before exploding through creases.The ball security issues (four fumbles lost in 2024) and limited receiving production require context. When studying his fumbles, they typically came fighting for extra yards rather than careless carrying technique. His receiving limitations appear more about opportunity than ability - he showed natural hands on swing passes and screens, though his route tree needs expansion. The pass protection fundamentals are there, particularly in his anchor against bigger rushers, but he'll need time to diagnose NFL blitz packages.
Watching his 2024 film against SEC competition reveals a back ready for NFL carries. His combination of vision, burst, and contact balance reminds me of a more explosive Giovani Bernard. The limited college workload (422 carries) means fresh legs, but also some projection required for a full NFL role. Smart offensive coordinators will maximize his explosiveness with trap plays and designed cutback runs while developing his third-down skillset. This is a plug-and-play change-of-pace back with potential to grow into a lead role if the frame holds up.
How other scouting services rate Dylan Sampson (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
74.7
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
7.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.