Tennessee Vols running back In 2025, Dylan Sampson joins the AFC. The Athletic’s NFL mock draft

As the NFL draft approaches in 2025, one of the most anticipated names in the upcoming class is Tennessee Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson. After an impressive collegiate career with the Vols, Sampson is now a likely candidate to be selected in the upcoming draft, with some speculating that he will be a first or second-round pick. His potential to contribute to an AFC team has sparked significant excitement among NFL scouts, coaches, and fans alike.

In this article, we take a deep dive into Dylan Sampson’s journey, his impact at Tennessee, and how he projects to the NFL, particularly with AFC teams in mind. Sampson’s unique blend of skills makes him one of the most coveted running back prospects in this year’s draft class, and his move to the professional ranks is expected to significantly impact whichever team he joins.

The Rise of Dylan Sampson at Tennessee

Dylan Sampson’s career at Tennessee has been nothing short of impressive. From the moment he stepped onto campus, it was clear that Sampson possessed the physical tools necessary to succeed at the highest level. Initially recruited as a highly touted prospect, Sampson quickly turned heads with his speed, agility, and vision on the field. Over the course of his tenure at Tennessee, he established himself as one of the premier running backs in the SEC, consistently delivering big performances and helping to propel the Vols to multiple successful seasons.

Sampson’s breakout moment came during his sophomore year, when he took over as the primary back following an injury to his predecessor. He proved to be a versatile weapon in the Tennessee offense, contributing both as a runner and a pass catcher. His ability to change direction quickly, his burst through the hole, and his knack for making defenders miss in open space made him a difficult player to defend.

As a junior, Sampson refined his craft even further, becoming an even more complete back. His vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage improved, allowing him to consistently find running lanes, even in tight situations. He also demonstrated his receiving abilities, becoming a dangerous weapon in the passing game. Sampson’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and create mismatches with defenders made him an even more valuable asset for Tennessee.

By the time Sampson declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, his stock had risen considerably. His college career was marked by consistent production, strong leadership, and a remarkable level of athleticism. This combination of traits makes Sampson a tantalizing prospect for AFC teams looking to add depth and talent to their backfields.

Dylan Sampson’s Strengths and Skillset

As NFL scouts have reviewed Sampson’s film and evaluated his performance in college, several strengths have stood out, all of which have bolstered his position as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Let’s break down some of the key elements of his game that have impressed coaches and evaluators alike.

Speed and Burst

One of Sampson’s most notable traits is his incredible speed. His burst through the hole is one of the quickest in college football, allowing him to break away for big runs when he finds an opening. This speed makes him a serious threat to take any carry to the house, especially when he gets into the open field. Whether it’s on a stretch run to the outside or a straight-ahead blast up the middle, Sampson has the ability to outrun defenders and score from anywhere on the field.

At the combine, scouts expect Sampson to post a 40-yard dash time that places him among the fastest running backs available. His speed allows him to be used effectively in a variety of schemes, from power running to zone reads, and it opens up numerous possibilities for how he can be utilized at the next level.

Elusiveness and Vision

Sampson’s ability to make defenders miss is another one of his key attributes. He has a quick, elusive change of direction that allows him to avoid tacklers in tight spaces. Whether it’s with a jump cut, a spin move, or simply making defenders miss with a sharp cut, Sampson has the moves to navigate through even the most crowded parts of the field.

Additionally, Sampson’s vision sets him apart from many of his peers. He has the ability to read the defense and identify holes before they even open up. His patience behind the line of scrimmage allows him to set up his blocks and find running lanes where others may see none. This elite vision is a major asset, as it allows him to make smart, calculated decisions on each run.

Receiving Ability

While Sampson’s rushing ability is the focal point of his game, his contributions as a receiver out of the backfield are equally as valuable. During his time at Tennessee, Sampson showcased his soft hands and ability to run precise routes. He became a reliable option in the passing game, especially on screen passes and checkdowns, where his speed and vision could make defenders miss in open space.

As NFL offenses continue to evolve, having a running back who can contribute both on the ground and through the air is increasingly important. Sampson’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him an attractive option for AFC teams that are looking to implement a versatile, multidimensional running back.

Work Ethic and Durability

Sampson has a reputation for being a hard worker, both on and off the field. Throughout his college career, he consistently showed a high level of commitment to his craft, from his time in the weight room to his study of opposing defenses. His work ethic has earned him the respect of his coaches, teammates, and NFL scouts alike.

In terms of durability, Sampson has remained relatively healthy during his college career, which is a positive sign for his future in the NFL. His ability to handle the rigors of a full season, both physically and mentally, will be crucial as he transitions to the NFL, where the speed of the game and the level of competition are much higher.

NFL Fit: Why AFC Teams Are Interested in Sampson

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many AFC teams are taking a long look at Sampson as a potential addition to their backfield. His skill set aligns well with the needs of several teams, particularly those in need of a dynamic running back who can contribute both on the ground and in the passing game.

Team Fit: AFC Contenders

Several AFC teams are in a position to draft Sampson and immediately plug him into their offensive schemes. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills, who value versatility and speed in their running backs, could be prime destinations for the Tennessee product. Sampson’s ability to contribute as both a rusher and receiver makes him an attractive option for these pass-heavy offenses.

For example, the Kansas City Chiefs have built their offense around the arm of Patrick Mahomes, but they are also looking for a running back who can help balance the offense and provide a spark in both the rushing and receiving games. Sampson could be the perfect complement to Mahomes’ air attack, providing a change of pace and an additional threat on the ground and through the air.

Similarly, the Buffalo Bills could use a dynamic, playmaking running back like Sampson to take some of the pressure off Josh Allen, particularly in short-yardage situations and as a receiving option out of the backfield. Sampson’s ability to be a dual-threat in the backfield could help elevate the Bills’ offense, giving them another dimension to work with as they chase a Super Bowl.

Fit for Teams in Need of Immediate Help

There are also several AFC teams that need immediate help at the running back position. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, and Indianapolis Colts have all had issues with consistency in their running game and could benefit from a player like Sampson who can step in and contribute right away.

The Dolphins, in particular, have struggled to establish a reliable rushing attack in recent years. Adding a player with Sampson’s speed and versatility could help them turn things around and provide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a reliable weapon in the backfield.

 Dylan Sampson’s Future in the AFC

Dylan Sampson’s rise from a standout at Tennessee to a projected NFL draft pick has been impressive, and his future in the NFL is bright. His blend of speed, vision, elusiveness, and receiving ability makes him a perfect fit for the evolving nature of the NFL, particularly in the AFC. As teams look to add versatile playmakers to their rosters, Sampson’s name will undoubtedly be at the top of their lists.

Regardless of where Sampson lands in the draft, he is poised to make an immediate impact and contribute to his team’s success. With his combination of skills and leadership, he could become one of the premier running backs in the NFL, and his 2025 season will be one to watch closely as he continues to evolve and grow in the professional ranks.