Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, PFF gives a former Tennessee Vols standout high marks for being “a big play waiting to happen.”

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, former Tennessee Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson is gaining attention from scouts and analysts. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has highlighted him as “a big play waiting to happen,” solidifying his status as one of the most exciting offensive prospects in this year’s draft class. Sampson’s collegiate career was marked by explosive performances, game-changing runs, and a dynamic skill set that makes him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking for a playmaker in the backfield.

Early Life and High School Success

Dylan Sampson’s journey to football stardom began in Geismar, Louisiana, where he attended Dutchtown High School. A natural athlete, Sampson excelled on the field from an early age. By the time he graduated, he had surpassed former NFL running back Eddie Lacy as the school’s all-time leading rusher. His junior season saw him amass 1,327 yards and 15 touchdowns in just eight games, followed by an even stronger senior campaign with 1,374 yards and 22 touchdowns. His ability to break off long runs and his elusiveness in the open field caught the attention of top college programs across the nation.

As a four-star recruit, Sampson had offers from powerhouse programs like LSU, Penn State, and Texas, but he ultimately committed to the University of Tennessee, drawn by the opportunity to play in a high-powered offense that would showcase his speed and agility.

Collegiate Career at Tennessee

Freshman Year (2022)

Sampson’s arrival in Knoxville was met with excitement, and he wasted no time making an impact. As a true freshman, he appeared in 11 games, rushing for 397 yards on just 58 carries, averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per attempt. He found the end zone six times, demonstrating a knack for scoring in key moments. His ability to make defenders miss and accelerate past linebackers made him an essential piece of Tennessee’s backfield rotation.

Sophomore Year (2023)

Building on his strong freshman campaign, Sampson took on a more significant role in the Volunteers’ offense as a sophomore. His breakout performance came in the season opener against Virginia, where he rushed for three touchdowns and caught a 23-yard touchdown pass, leading Tennessee to a commanding 49–13 victory. Later that season, he rushed for a career-high 139 yards and two touchdowns against UTSA, further cementing his reputation as a game-breaker.

Sampson finished the season with 604 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, and 175 receiving yards with one receiving touchdown. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a pass-catcher added versatility to his game, making him a valuable asset for Tennessee’s offense.

Junior Year (2024): A Record-Breaking Season

Sampson’s junior season was nothing short of historic. Taking over as Tennessee’s feature back, he shattered the school’s single-season rushing touchdown record with 22 touchdowns—breaking a mark that had stood since 1929. His consistency was remarkable, as he recorded at least one rushing touchdown in 11 of 12 games played.

He finished the season with 1,485 rushing yards on 256 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt. In addition to his rushing prowess, he caught 19 passes for 141 yards, further proving his value as an all-around offensive weapon. His performance earned him First-Team All-SEC honors and the prestigious SEC Offensive Player of the Year award.

NFL Draft Profile

As the draft nears, Dylan Sampson is projected as a mid-round selection, with some analysts suggesting he could sneak into the second round depending on team needs and how he performs in pre-draft workouts.

Strengths

1. Explosiveness and Speed – Sampson possesses elite acceleration, allowing him to hit the second level of a defense quickly. Once he finds an opening, he has the speed to outrun defenders and turn short gains into long touchdowns.
2. Elusiveness and Agility – His ability to change direction with minimal loss of speed makes him one of the most elusive backs in this draft class. Defenders struggle to bring him down in open space, making him a nightmare for linebackers and safeties.
3. Vision and Instincts – Sampson has excellent field vision, reading his blocks well and making decisive cuts. He shows patience when needed but can also explode through gaps when the opportunity presents itself.
4. Versatility – While primarily a runner, Sampson has shown he can be effective as a receiver out of the backfield. His hands are reliable, and his route-running ability gives him an edge over more one-dimensional backs.
5. Production Against Elite Competition – Having played in the SEC, Sampson has faced some of the best defenses in college football and consistently performed at a high level.

Weaknesses

1. Size and Durability – At 5’8″ and 200 pounds, some scouts question whether he can handle a heavy workload in the NFL. While his durability was not a major issue in college, the rigors of the professional game could present challenges.
2. Ball Security – Sampson had four lost fumbles during his final season, a statistic that may raise concerns among NFL coaches. Cleaning up his ball security will be crucial at the next level.
3. Pass Protection – While willing to block, he lacks the ideal size and technique to be a reliable pass protector. This could limit his early usage on passing downs unless he improves in this area.

NFL Combine and Pro Day Performance

Sampson’s stock saw a slight boost at the 2025 NFL Combine, where he showcased his athleticism in various drills. Although he opted out of the 40-yard dash due to a minor hamstring injury, he impressed scouts in position drills, displaying sharp cuts, balance, and quick feet. His performance in the receiving drills also stood out, reinforcing his potential as a third-down back in the NFL.

At Tennessee’s Pro Day, Sampson ran a reported 4.38-second 40-yard dash, confirming his breakaway speed. He also posted a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10’5″ broad jump, demonstrating his lower-body explosiveness.

Potential NFL Team Fits

Several NFL teams could be a great fit for Dylan Sampson based on his skill set and potential role in their offensive schemes.

1. Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs love versatile backs who can catch passes and make plays in space. Sampson could thrive in Andy Reid’s offense alongside Patrick Mahomes.
2. San Francisco 49ers – While the 49ers already have Christian McCaffrey, Kyle Shanahan values explosive runners who can contribute in multiple ways. Sampson could be a valuable rotational piece.
3. Baltimore Ravens – With their run-heavy scheme, the Ravens could utilize Sampson’s speed and vision effectively, giving them another weapon in their dynamic rushing attack.
4. Dallas Cowboys – With Tony Pollard leaving in free agency, the Cowboys could look to Sampson as a complement to their backfield, bringing an electric change-of-pace element.
5. Buffalo Bills – The Bills need a spark in their running game, and Sampson’s ability to break off big plays would add a new dimension to their offense.

Dylan Sampson’s path to the NFL has been defined by speed, explosiveness, and an innate ability to make game-changing plays. While he may not be the biggest back in the draft, his elite athleticism, vision, and versatility make him an enticing prospect for teams looking to add a dynamic weapon to their offense. With the right coaching and system fit, Sampson has the potential to develop into a high-impact player at the next level. As the draft unfolds, teams in need of an electrifying playmaker should keep their eyes on this former Tennessee Volunteer, who is indeed “a big play waiting to happen.”