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Sampson is positioned as the likely primary pass-catcher in the Browns backfield under head coach Todd Monken, outproducing Quinshon Judkins in yards per route run (2.01 vs. 1.17), yards per target (7.13 vs. 5.03), and yards per reception (8.21 vs. 6.58). Monken's history of over-rotating running backs in Baltimore (Derrick Henry and Justice Hill) suggests Sampson and Judkins will share duties, limiting Judkins' workload and supporting Sampson's standalone value.

In PPR formats, Sampson is a last-round target despite underwhelming rushing numbers; among running backs with at least 125 routes, he posted a 28.2 TPRR% and averaged 1.91 YPRR, demonstrating strong pass-catching ability. The source expects those metrics won't be sustainable if his route count jumps to 250s, but the marks show he's far better than his 2.7 YPC rookie rushing average. Cleveland's low aDOT offense (28th in average depth of throw) and reliance on checkdowns from Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders create a favorable environment for Sampson's receiving role. There's also contingent upside if Quinshon Judkins is slow out of the gate or suffers a setback from his late-season injury, as the starting role would be available. The source projects 50-plus catches and some rushing production as a PPR value play.

The decision to rest Sampson in preseason Week 2 adds credence to the idea that he is clearly the next-man-up behind Quinshon Judkins; the source notes Sampson is in the RB5 conversation and doesn't boast a significantly different profile than someone like Tyjae Spears.

Sampson is highlighted as a running back insurance option available in Rounds 13-14 for late-round depth and upside.

Sampson is ranked RB52 with an ADP of 147, showing no change from his previous ranking but maintaining his position in the draft landscape.

Emerged as community meme pivot away from Judkins; multiple comments reference 'Sampsonite' and 'Sampson SZN' as humorous alternative to injured Judkins. Represents community's preference for backup RB on better offense over Judkins on Browns.

Andrew Erickson calls Dylan Sampson underrated, noting the preseason juice. Sampson is positioned as a better value than Judkins in the Browns backfield, with the source preferring him over the more expensive Judkins.

Selected twelfth overall in Zachary Krueger's mock draft, Sampson is positioned as a top-tier running back for 2026 fantasy drafts.

Second-year RB Dylan Sampson is establishing himself as a pass-catching weapon for the Browns; he was third on the team with 33 receptions and recorded a team-long 66-yard reception, positioning him as a potential pass-game contributor in the backfield.

Second-year running back Dylan Sampson is described as 'electric with the ball' by the source; he was third on the team with 33 receptions and recorded a team-long 66-yard reception, positioning him as a pass-game weapon out of the backfield in the Browns' offense.

Second-year RB with 33 receptions last season and a team-long 66-yard reception; flashed explosive receiving ability with a 43-yard catch-and-run in preseason against Chicago. Head coach Todd Monken views him as 'electric with the ball in his hands' and a potential tough matchup when lined up on linebackers, positioning him as a key target in the passing game and rotation player designed to function in space.

Second-year running back was third on the Browns with 33 receptions and a team-long 66-yard reception last season. Head coach Todd Monken describes him as 'electric with the ball in his hands' and views him as a potential tough matchup when lined up against linebackers, with plans to get him in space and utilize him in the passing game rotation to function at a high level.

Dylan Samson played both third-and-medium snaps in the first two drives with Quinnshaw Judkins and worked as the clear RB2 after Judkins was pulled in Browns preseason Week 1. He had an electric 40-yard screen that accounted for a significant portion of Deshaun Watson's passing yards. Ian Hartitz moved Samson up in his rankings, believing he could be a viable handcuff RB2 with pass-down role upside, projecting 12-15 carries and 6-7 targets if Judkins goes down.

Sampson was bumped up to RB54 and is in the same tier as handcuffs like Ray Davis and Mike Washington. He has a Tyjae Spears-esque role with explosive, pass-catching ability, though there's some question about true workhorse upside if forced into action as a starter.