Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dylan Sampson NFL Draft Projection- Where will the Volunteers Running Back Land?

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Despite not being drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Dylan Sampson is looked at as the most NFL-ready running back from the 2025 NFL Draft class. He had a record shattering season in 2024, and it was also his first year as a starter, playing for the Volunteers. Though Sampson is a bit short when it comes to his height, he more than makes up for it with his speed, athleticism, and explosiveness. He was one of the best players in all of college football, and was a member of the team’s leadership council providing vocal presence, during his time with the Volunteers.

Sampson is one of the fastest football players in this year’s draft class, and while he did not run the 40-yard dash at NFL Combine, we all know how good of a player he is. He enrolled at Tennessee in 2022, and during his freshman season he had 397 rushing yards with 6 touchdowns. The following season, he showed a lot of improvement, as his rushing numbers jumped from 397 to 604 in 2023. And in his final season with the Volunteers, Sampson was voted the SEC Offensive Player of the Year by coaches and associated press, as he rushed for 1491 rushing yards, and 22 rushing touchdowns (most by an SEC player since Najee Harris had 26 in 2020).

Also Read: Who are Dylan Sampson’s Parents? A Look At Dylan Sampson’s Parents Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft

Dylan Sampson’s Draft Profile

Sampson is one of the best backs in this year’s draft class as he has good instincts and can run with the football even after contact. He has an impressive feel for spacing and blocking schemes compared to other running backs, and has the excellent burst and speed to run outside. He is a efficient short-yardage back, and is arguably the most NFL-ready back in this season’s draft class. However, on the other hand, Sampson’s height is listed at 5-feet-8-inches in terms of his height and that is one of the reasons why he wasn’t a first round pick. While he is one of the fastest, according to many sources, his decision to not run the 40-yard dash, potentially due to a hamstring injury, also further hurt his draft stock.

2025 Pre-NFL Draft RB Rookie Rankings

1. Ashton Jeanty

2. Kaleb Johnson
3. Quinshon Judkins
4. Omarion Hampton
5. TreVeyon Henderson

6. RJ Harvey
7. Ollie Gordon
8. Brashard Smith
9. Bhayshul Tuten
10. Cam Skattebo

11. Dylan Sampson
12. Damien Martinez

RB 13-25 below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mZY4CyK9VA
— Matt FF Dynasty 🏈 (@MattFFDynasty) April 22, 2025

Dylan Sampson’s Draft Projection

Dylan Sampson is projected to be drafted as the 63rd. overall pick in the second round in Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, by the Kansas City Chiefs. And according to reports, many Chiefs’ fans are hoping that they draft a quality running back from this year’s draft class. Especially since they saw what a star running back could do for a team, first hand, in Super Bowl LIX.

Also Read: Who Are Mason Taylor’s Parents? A Look At Mason Taylor’s Parents Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft

Dylan Sampson

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Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.