Selected as a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dylan Sampson finds himself in an interesting spot, though not one that I really expect to make an impact in the fantasy football space.
Should I Draft Dylan Sampson in Fantasy Football?
He presents an interesting profile on an uninteresting team. Heading into his second season, Sampson operates behind Quinshon Judkins, who will serve as the unquestioned bellcow now that he has checked the medical boxes needed. Given the current state of this offense, I am not sure they will score enough points to keep Judkins consistently viable in fantasy lineups, let alone an ancillary backup option who is a bit limited in terms of skill set.
What makes Sampson intriguing is how his usage has drastically shifted since entering the league. During his final year in college at Tennessee, he handled a massive rushing workload, (258 carries) compared to just 20 receptions. His rookie season in the NFL showcased a completely different role: 33 of his 98 total touches came as a pass catcher, a phase of the game where he also recorded both of his touchdowns.
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While that PPR-friendly usage is theoretically a positive sign, the overall volume is simply not there to justify a draft pick in standard-sized leagues.
Ultimately, Sampson is strictly a contingency option if a Quinshon Judkins injury were to occur. While his pass-catching flashes provide a glimmer of hope, his touch ceiling remains far too low to trust in an offense that projects to look stuck in the mud again this year. He will certainly become a priority waiver wire add should Judkins go down, but he is not the type of player you need to actively roster until that scenario presents itself.
Kyle Soppe’s RB Fantasy Rankings 2026
- Bijan Robinson | ATL
- Jahmyr Gibbs | DET
- James Cook III | BUF
- Ashton Jeanty | LV
- Jonathan Taylor | IND
- Christian McCaffrey | SF
- De’Von Achane | MIA
- Saquon Barkley | PHI
- Chase Brown | CIN
- Derrick Henry | BAL
- Javonte Williams | DAL
- Kenneth Walker III | KC
- Jeremiyah Love | ARI
- Omarion Hampton | LAC
- D’Andre Swift | CHI
- Travis Etienne Jr. | NO
- Breece Hall | NYJ
- Kyren Williams | LAR
- Josh Jacobs | GB
- David Montgomery | HOU
- Cam Skattebo | NYG
- TreVeyon Henderson | NE
- Bucky Irving | TB
- Chuba Hubbard | CAR
- Jaylen Warren | PIT
- Jordan Mason | MIN
- Jadarian Price | SEA
- Quinshon Judkins | CLE
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt | WAS
- Kenny Gainwell | TB
- Bhayshul Tuten | JAX
- Rhamondre Stevenson | NE
- Tony Pollard | TEN
- RJ Harvey | DEN
- Zach Charbonnet | SEA
- Rico Dowdle | PIT
- Blake Corum | LAR
- Kyle Monangai | CHI
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. | JAX
- Tyler Allgeier | ARI
- Rachaad White | WAS
- Aaron Jones Sr. | MIN
- J.K. Dobbins | DEN
- Isiah Pacheco | DET
- Nick Singleton | TEN
- James Conner | ARI
- Kimani Vidal | LAC
- Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG
- Jaylen Wright | MIA
- Woody Marks | HOU
