Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson has officially become one of the most debated prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
After emerging as one of the most explosive players in college football during the 2024 season, Sampson’s draft stock is now at the center of widespread disagreement among analysts. Some see him as a top-tier talent with the potential to make an early impact in the NFL, while others view him as a more situational player whose success will depend heavily on the scheme he lands in.
Sampson’s breakout 2024 campaign with the Volunteers was nothing short of spectacular. After serving as a valuable rotational piece during his first two seasons, he took full control of Tennessee’s backfield and thrived in the spotlight. He racked up 1,491 rushing yards and found the end zone 22 times, making him one of the most productive backs in the country. His performances made him the heartbeat of the Tennessee offense, often being the difference-maker in key moments.
That standout season has now positioned Sampson as a legitimate draft prospect, but not without controversy. His ranking among running backs varies significantly depending on which analyst you ask. Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports places Sampson as the No. 6 running back in the class, while his colleague Ryan Roberts ranks him far lower at No. 17. This divide reflects broader uncertainties within the scouting community regarding how Sampson’s game will translate to the next level.
Supporters of Sampson as an early-round pick point to his tape, which shows a player with rare traits. Although he lacks prototypical size and hasn’t posted eye-popping 40-yard dash times, Sampson flashes elite on-field movement. His jump cut is one of the best in the class, allowing him to explode through tight running lanes with incredible agility. His ability to change direction at full speed and immediately accelerate again makes him a nightmare for defenders in space.
Beyond his athletic traits, Sampson also brings a certain intangible quality to the field. He was often the player Tennessee turned to when they needed a spark. He didn’t just put up numbers—he set the tone. His presence forced opposing defenses to account for him on every play. Advocates for Sampson argue that this kind of playmaking ability can’t be ignored, even if his size and usage raise questions.
However, there are just as many who are skeptical of Sampson’s long-term NFL potential. Critics argue that while Sampson is fast, his in-game speed doesn’t always reflect his track and field background. He isn’t the kind of back who consistently pulls away from defenders in open space, which brings into question whether his speed will be a true weapon at the pro level.
One of the biggest red flags for some scouts is the offensive system he played in at Tennessee. The Volunteers use a wide-open, spread-style offense that simplifies reads and creates larger running lanes. This raises concerns about how Sampson will perform in a more complex NFL system that doesn’t offer the same space or predictable alignments. Evaluators worry that his production was inflated by the scheme rather than being a pure result of individual brilliance.
Another concern is Sampson’s size and power. At around 200 pounds, he’s not built to consistently run between the tackles or break through arm tackles at the next level. His game is heavily reliant on getting to the outside or making defenders miss in space. That means he may only be a fit for teams that run an outside-zone-heavy scheme—systems that emphasize speed and outside runs rather than brute-force inside rushing. If a team tries to use him in a traditional workhorse role, it could lead to disappointing results.
There’s also the issue of Sampson’s involvement in the passing game, or lack thereof. While not entirely absent from Tennessee’s passing attack, he wasn’t featured prominently as a receiver out of the backfield. In today’s NFL, where versatility is often key to a running back’s value, this could be a drawback. Teams may hesitate to use a valuable draft pick on a player who might not contribute much on third downs or in two-minute drills.
What makes Sampson such a polarizing figure is that both sides of the argument have valid points. His tape showcases elite movement skills and playmaking ability. He’s the kind of player who can take a routine play and turn it into something special. Yet, the concerns about his size, fit, and the offense he came from are real—and historically, running backs who fit this mold haven’t always succeeded at the next level unless placed in the perfect environment.
Ultimately, Sampson is the definition of a boom-or-bust prospect. If he lands with the right team—one that can maximize his strengths while protecting him from overexposure to situations that don’t suit his skill set—he could be one of the steals of the draft. His ceiling is high: a dynamic back who keeps defenses honest and provides big-play potential whenever he touches the ball. But his floor is also low. If used improperly or placed in a system that doesn’t match his style, he could struggle to carve out a consistent role.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Sampson will continue to be a hot topic among evaluators. His pro day results, interviews, and private workouts will likely have a big influence on how teams ultimately view him. For now, he remains one of the most talked-about and divisive running backs in this year’s class—a player whose college stardom was unquestioned, but whose professional future is anything but certain.
Whether Dylan Sampson is selected in the second round or slips into the later rounds, one thing is clear: he will enter the NFL with something to prove and a chip on his shoulder. And if his college career is any indication, he thrives in exactly that kind of situation.
