Before Dylan Sampson’s debut season with the Cleveland Browns, ESPN gives the former Tennessee Vols running back a healthy dose of reality.

Dylan Sampson arrived in Cleveland with the glint of promise and the weight of expectation. After a breakout junior season at Tennessee where his speed and vision lit up SEC defenses, the former Vols running back heard his name called in the middle rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Sampson found himself walking into a franchise known for its bruising style and passionate, blue-collar fan base. But just as the rookie back was settling into his new environment, ESPN analysts threw cold water on the hype, offering a reality check that reminded fans—and Sampson himself—of just how difficult the NFL transition can be.

While Sampson’s highlights at Tennessee revealed a running back with elite change-of-direction skills and home-run potential, ESPN’s draft coverage and follow-up analysis were far less poetic. As one analyst bluntly put it: “He has wheels, no doubt. But speed alone won’t save you in the NFL. The linebackers here run 4.4s too.”

At Tennessee, Sampson developed a reputation as a dynamic playmaker, especially in 2024 when he racked up over 1,300 total yards and 14 touchdowns. He emerged as a central figure in Josh Heupel’s up-tempo offense, often serving as a spark when the Vols needed a jolt. Despite sharing touches in a committee backfield, Sampson made the most of every opportunity. His 6.1 yards per carry average led all SEC backs with at least 150 carries.

“He gave our offense a different dimension,” said Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle. “When Dylan hit the second level, you held your breath, because he was one cut away from a touchdown every time.”

NFL scouts noted Sampson’s ability to plant and go, his knack for finding daylight in traffic, and his quick-twitch acceleration. But they also flagged concerns—particularly his size (5-foot-10, 190 pounds), pass protection inconsistencies, and limited experience as a bell-cow back. ESPN’s pre-draft scouting report praised his burst and versatility but warned that he may “struggle to hold up against NFL punishment if used in early-down, inside-run roles.”

The Cleveland Browns have a recent history of making smart, mid-round investments in skill players, and the selection of Sampson drew mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. With Nick Chubb rehabbing from a major knee injury and entering a contract year, Cleveland’s backfield is in flux. Jerome Ford showed flashes in 2024 but hasn’t established himself as a long-term RB1.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski seemed optimistic after the draft, calling Sampson “a piece that fits our offensive puzzle,” and hinting that the rookie could contribute in multiple phases—rushing, receiving, and potentially as a return man. Stefanski added, “We love his quickness and instincts. He’s got to grow in some areas, but there’s definitely a role for him if he puts the work in.”

Despite the vote of confidence, ESPN wasn’t ready to anoint Sampson as the next Browns breakout. On an episode of NFL Live, former NFL linebacker and current analyst Ryan Clark questioned whether Sampson could be anything more than a gadget player at the pro level.

“He looks like a great college back, but we’ve seen a lot of great college backs flame out because they couldn’t handle blitz pickup, couldn’t hold onto the football, or couldn’t absorb contact,” Clark said. “In Cleveland, he’s going to have to earn every single carry.”

In a widely viewed “Reality Check” segment on ESPN’s Get Up, analyst Damien Woody broke down the hurdles facing Sampson ahead of his rookie year. Woody didn’t hold back, pointing to Sampson’s pass-blocking struggles and questioning whether he could withstand the physical demands of an AFC North schedule.

“This isn’t the SEC anymore,” Woody said. “You’ve got the Ravens and Steelers twice a year. You’re going to get hit by grown men who’ve been doing this for a decade. Is Dylan Sampson ready for that? Right now, I’m not sure.”

ESPN also included analytics from NFL Next Gen Stats, highlighting that Sampson’s yards-after-contact average ranked in the bottom third among draft-eligible running backs. That statistic, more than any 40-yard dash time, seemed to resonate with skeptical analysts.

“Too often, he goes down on first contact,” said ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid. “In college, he could get away with that because of his speed. But in the NFL, everybody is fast. If you can’t keep your legs churning through arm tackles, you won’t last.”

For Sampson, the critiques aren’t discouraging—they’re motivating. The soft-spoken Louisiana native addressed the ESPN segment in a recent press conference at Browns rookie minicamp.

“People have been doubting me since high school,” Sampson said. “I respect what they say, but I’ve always been a guy who proves people wrong with my play. I’m not here for hype. I’m here to work.”

Sampson has already caught the eye of Browns running backs coach Stump Mitchell, who said the rookie has been “soaking everything in like a sponge.” Mitchell emphasized that Sampson’s mental preparation and desire to improve in areas like pass protection could help him carve out a role sooner than later.

“He knows he’s not a finished product, but he shows up every day ready to get better,” Mitchell said. “That’s how you succeed in this league. Talent gets you in the door, but consistency keeps you around.”

While Sampson fights for carries, the Browns backfield remains unsettled. Chubb’s uncertain timeline and contract status loom large, while Ford, Pierre Strong Jr., and John Kelly Jr. return as familiar faces. Sampson will need to impress not only in training camp but also on special teams—a common proving ground for rookies.

“Special teams is your resume,” said former Browns special teams ace Josh Cribbs. “If you can make a play on kick return or block a punt, coaches will find a way to keep you on the 53-man roster.”

Given his open-field explosiveness, Sampson may find his first NFL impact as a return specialist. He returned kicks occasionally at Tennessee and has been seen fielding punts in early workouts. While not ideal for a player who sees himself as an offensive weapon, it may be the quickest path to meaningful reps.

ESPN’s player comp for Sampson was a sobering one: Justice Hill of the Ravens—a player with similar size and speed who has carved out a role as a rotational back and special teams contributor but has never ascended to starter status.

That comparison might feel limiting to Sampson supporters, but there’s upside. Hill’s longevity and versatility have kept him in the league for years, and in the NFL, carving out any role is a sign of success. Sampson has repeatedly said he’s open to doing whatever it takes to help his team win.

Still, some scouts believe Sampson’s ceiling is higher. NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks said, “If he can develop his body and sharpen his fundamentals, he could be a poor man’s Jahmyr Gibbs. Maybe not as twitchy or polished, but the tools are there.”

Training camp will be Sampson’s crucible. He’ll need to show the Browns coaches—and the league—that he belongs. The preseason will offer a glimpse at how Sampson adjusts to NFL speed, and whether his playmaking ability can survive contact against hardened pros.

In a division known for rugged defenses and trench warfare, finesse alone won’t cut it. For Sampson to emerge, he’ll need to blend his natural gifts with NFL durability and dependability.

“He’s got to earn their trust,” said ESPN’s Marcus Spears. “Trust that he’ll pick up the blitz. Trust that he won’t fumble. Trust that he can take a hit and keep coming. That’s what separates Sunday guys from Saturday stars.”

For Dylan Sampson, the ESPN critiques are not condemnation—they’re a challenge. The NFL is where college legends are either refined into pros or ground down by the unforgiving nature of the league. Sampson’s story is still being written, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that doubt can be fuel for greatness.

“He’s heard the noise,” said Halzle, his former OC at Tennessee. “Now it’s about shutting it out and proving himself all over again. He did it in Knoxville. I believe he can do it in Cleveland too.”

But belief alone won’t suffice in the NFL. Sampson will have to run, block, catch, hit, and repeat—week after week. The reality is that nothing is guaranteed. The opportunity is there. Whether Dylan Sampson grabs it will define the next chapter of his football life.