Dawgs By Nature
The Cleveland Browns are facing the Panthers tonight in what could be a huge game for Shedeur Sanders in multiple aspects, but let’s not forget that another one of Cleveland’s rookies is vying for a starting job on offense right now as well.
Dylan Sampson, the team’s 4th-round pick in this April’s draft, has the opportunity to take another step towards his goal of being the week one starter with a big performance tonight. With the whole Quinshon Judkins dilemma going on, and the news that they might be without him even longer than expected, it could be Sampson’s time to shine over these next few preseason games.
The team already knows what they have in him as a runner, but it’s going to be interesting to see the type of versatility and effectiveness that he has as a pass-catcher at the NFL level as well. If he looks good as an early-down runner and can add some spice to the passing game, Jerome Ford could be in trouble in terms of relinquishing some of his passing-down snaps.
Ford has been the Browns’ 3rd-down back as of late and has been able to see more early-down carries in camp with Judkins out. He’s currently listed ahead of Dylan Sampson on Cleveland’s first unofficial depth chart, but Sampson could force his way up the ladder with excellent showings in the preseason.
Sampson needs to show consistency as a pass blocker tonight and display good vision and decisiveness in the hole.
Coming out of Tennessee, he showed good effort in pass protection, but he’d sometimes lose track of linebackers or be slow to identify blitzers at the line of scrimmage. He needs to do a better job of correcting this against NFL defenders, or he’s going to limit himself as a professional player. Kevin Stefanski will only be able to use him on early downs if he doesn’t develop in this area going forward.
On the other hand, he’s been incredible in practice when it comes to bursting through holes or when he sees a lane develop. He has to show that he can continue doing this at a higher clip and against different types of interior defenders. Maliek Collins, Mason Graham, and Shelby Harris are excellent, but Carolina’s interior defensive line is filled with big, one-gapping defensive tackles. It’s going to be fascinating to see how he navigates through the interior against these types of players.
As mentioned earlier, both Shedeur Sanders and Dylan Sampson will have a ton of eyes on them tonight, and all of Cleveland will be rooting for them to succeed.
Who are some other players that you’ll be keeping an eye on tonight? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.
