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'He's the guy that's kind of getting overlooked' - Former NFL WR is high on former Tennessee Vols standout in 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 12:34 PM ET

A former NFL wide receiver thinks former Tennessee Vols running back Dylan Sampson is being overlooked ahead of the 2025 season.

Cecil Shorts, a Cleveland native who spent six seasons in the NFL, said this week that he thinks Sampson, a fourth round selection by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft, is "somebody to watch" this fall.

"I think Dylan Sampson is somebody to watch," said Shorts. "I think with the legal situation (with Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins), we don't know what the NFL is going to do. We don't know what's going on with all of that. I think Dylan has an opportunity to really step up. He was so productive at Tennessee, especially his last year there, this past season.

"He's the guy that is kind of getting overlooked because of how good Quinshon can be. But [Sampson] is the guy that can hit the hole from the inside. We all know he's super fast. He can catch outside. He can catch the ball well, and they've been using him at receiver at times when it comes to OTAs and minicamps. He's dynamic there, but he can [run] the ball in between the tackles. He can make guys miss. He's shifty. He's a great change of pace guy for Quinshon, so I understand why they did that (drafted Sampson after also drafting Judkins). It's not that pressure's on him, but they may expect more from [Sampson] if Judkins cannot play early on."

Judkins, who was a second round selection by the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft, was arrested on a domestic-violence charge earlier this month.

The former Ohio State Buckeyes standout didn't report to training camp late last week with the rest of his teammates in the wake of his legal situation.

Judkins hasn't signed his rookie contract with the Browns yet. The Browns reportedly don't plan on reaching a deal with Judkins until there's more clarity on his legal situation.

As a result, Sampson could be poised to serve as the No. 1 running back in Cleveland to start the season. That role, however, won't just be handed to Sampson. He'll have to earn it during training camp.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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