Per the team's transaction log, the Cleveland Browns have signed fourth-round running back Dylan Sampson and second-round linebacker Carson Schwesinger to their rookie contracts. Schwesinger will make $11.8 million over his four-year deal, while Sampson is set to make $5.13 million over his. Sampson, 20, broke out in his final season at Tennessee with a stellar 1,491 yards and 22 TDs over 258 carries, adding another 20 catches and 143 yards through the air. He took home SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Schwesinger, on the other hand, was a Butkus Award finalist (nation's best linebacker) and ranked third in the FBS with 136 total tackles. Sampson's path to playing time is a little murkier than Schwesinger's, as the latter should push for immediate snaps in the Browns' linebacker room. Still, both players stand to make an impact on a rebuilding Cleveland roster in 2025.
The Cleveland Browns have selected Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson with the 126th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sampson has previously dealt with fumbling issues, but he possesses a high football IQ and has shown an ability to fight for extra yards after first contact. He is also capable of being a workhorse back, which was on display as he rushed 258 times for 1,491 and 22 touchdowns as a senior last season. It will be interesting to monitor the running back competition in Cleveland this summer. The Browns already had Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr., and now they've added Sampson and Quinshon Judkins via the draft.