Blogging The Boys
Cowboys draft prospects include RB Dylan Sampson
We continue our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that could interest the Dallas Cowboys. Today we are looking at running back Dylan Sampson from Tennessee.
RB
Tennessee volunteers
Junior
4-star recruit
5’8”
200 lbs
Dylan Sampson was born on the 14th September, 2004 and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he attended Dutchtown High School. In high school, he was a standout player, known for his speed, vision, and versatility, rushing for over 1,900 yards and scoring more than 30 touchdowns in his senior season, breaking Eddie Lacy’s school records. He was a four-star recruit and outperformed expectations.
At Tennessee, Sampson made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2022, showing explosive playmaking ability and earning a role in a crowded backfield. Despite playing behind veteran backs, he showcased his explosiveness and vision whenever given the opportunity. He finished the year with 397 rushing yards on just 58 carries (averaging 6.8 yards per carry) and six touchdowns, highlighted by big performances against UT Martin and Vanderbilt. His ability to break off long runs and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield quickly made him a fan favorite and a key rotational player.
Sampson continued to develop into a key contributor in 2023, known for his agility, acceleration, and ability to both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. He totaled 604 rushing yards on 106 carries (5.7 yards per carry) and scored seven rushing touchdowns, while also contributing 22 receptions for 194 yards and one receiving touchdown. He demonstrated improved patience and strength to go along with his speed, often providing critical plays in tight games. His standout performances included big moments against Virginia and Texas A&M, solidifying himself as one of the SEC’s more dangerous all-purpose backs.
In 2024, Sampson delivered on his high expectations, emerging as Tennessee’s lead running back and one of the SEC’s most reliable offensive threats. He rushed for 1,491 yards with an unbelievable total of 22 rushing touchdowns, consistently showing his trademark speed, agility, and toughness between the tackles. Sampson also became a key part of the passing game, adding 143 receiving yards and several big-play through the air. His performances in matchups, including strong showings against Georgia and Alabama, cemented his reputation as a versatile, all-purpose back and a leader for the Volunteers’ offense.
598 Offensive Snaps
258 Rush Attempts
1,491 Rush Yards
5.8 YPC
22 Total TDs
20 Receptions
342 Receiving Yards
4 Fumbles
78 First Downs
70 Missed Tackles Forced
1 Penalty
10-Yard Split- 1.58s (72%)
40-Yard Dash- 4.48s (90%)
Vertical- 35” (67%)
Broad- 10’4” (89%)
All-American (2024)
SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2024)
First-team All-SEC (2024)
Overall- 83.9
Speed- 88
Acceleration- 91
Agility- 90
Strength- 70
Contact Balance- 79
Vision- 94
Elusiveness- 87
Receiving- 74
Blocking- 58
Discipline- 99
