By FanHub Insider | April 21, 2025
FOXBOROUGH, MA — With the NFL Draft just days away, the New England Patriots may be preparing to inject some serious electricity into their backfield.
According to Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings, the Patriots are eyeing one of the most explosive playmakers in college football — Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson, a 22-touchdown machine who torched the SEC in 2024.
And get this: he might still be available on Day 3 of the Draft.
“He’s the best-kept secret in this RB class,” one scout told FanHub. “If New England lands him? That’s a steal.”
🔥 Meet Dylan Sampson: Home-Run Threat
Let’s break it down:
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1,491 rushing yards in 2024
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22 total touchdowns (led the SEC)
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Averaged 5.8 yards per carry
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Only 20 years old
Sampson isn’t just fast — he’s lightning in shoulder pads. He shredded defenses all season and made it look easy.
“He plays like he’s shot out of a cannon,” said one SEC coach.
🧊 Patriots’ Backfield Needs Juice
Let’s be real — Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson didn’t move the needle in 2024. The Pats offense lacked spark, lacked explosiveness… and frankly, lacked identity.
New head coach Mike Vrabel hasn’t been shy about it either:
“We’re exploring every option to add speed and scoring ability,” Vrabel said at the Combine.
“We need guys who can hit the gas and go.”
🛠️ What’s the Knock?
The one concern? Sampson isn’t much of a pass-catcher — only 40 career receptions over three seasons. But that’s coachable. And let’s be honest:
You don’t draft Dylan Sampson to run routes.
You draft him to take the rock and explode for six.
📈 What It Could Mean
If the Patriots land Sampson in Round 4 or 5?
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They get a young, cheap, elite-speed threat
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Immediate competition for Stevenson & Gibson
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A potential face of the backfield in the post-Belichick era
“This is exactly the type of value pick that turns into a breakout star,” one former GM said.
“Don’t sleep on Sampson in New England.”
