'Something that I wasn't able to showcase a lot at Tennessee' - Dylan Sampson is looking to unlock a hidden strength with the Browns

Former Tennessee Vols running back Dylan Sampson is looking to show off a strength that wasn't utilized much during his time on Rocky Top. 

Sampson, a fourth round selection by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft, told reporters on Friday, on the first day of rookie minicamp, that he wants to show that he can be an effective pass catcher in the NFL. 

The Baton Rouge native caught just 40 passes during his three seasons at Tennessee. 

"I feel very confident in [catching the ball as a running back]," said Sampson. "That's something that I wasn't able to showcase a lot at Tennessee, but I feel like I was able to showcase what could be at my Pro Days and at the combine. Anytime I could run routes, I ran routes. I'm looking forward to getting advice from receivers here. They have great receivers here. Obviously, I played with Cedric Tillman (at Tennessee), so there's a relationship there. But, yeah, I'm looking to be as versatile as I can be." 

Sampson's comments on Friday echoed what he said at Tennessee's Pro Day earlier this spring. 

"I also wanted to show my receiving capabilities," said Sampson after his Pro Day workout. "Show that I can run routes and catch the ball naturally."

"That's something I know I can do, all along," added Sampson. "I just didn't get much of a chance to show it. But hopefully all the scouts and all the coaches out here saw that. Even though I haven't practiced it that much, that it's still natural to me. The sky's the [limit] for me in the receiver aspect."

"A lot of (NFL) teams believe that I can be an asset in the passing game, I just haven't got a chance to show it," continued Sampson. "I think a lot of teams had questions, but hopefully they're starting to see that." 

Tennessee doesn't heavily utilize running backs as pass catchers in Josh Heupel's unique up-tempo offense. That's a wrinkle, however, that the Vols should strongly consider adding. Not only will it attract more running backs in recruiting, but it could prove be a valuable safety valve for quarterbacks. A check down when nothing else is open can often keep drives alive in the SEC.