Latest news with #DylanSampson
New York Times
30-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
2025 dynasty and rookie-only fantasy football rankings: Training camp update
Dynasty rookie drafts might be over, but the 2025 fantasy football season is nearly here, which means opportunistic managers can look for value in trades. Plus, it's the preseason — training camps are underway, and depth charts are being made — so a slight update to the dynasty rankings was needed. Advertisement Ashton Jeanty still tops the rookie rankings — no surprise. But, following news that the Cleveland Browns' second-round running back Quinshon Judkins missed the start of training camp after being arrested on charges of battery and domestic violence, he's moved down in the rankings, while Cleveland's fourth-round pick at RB, Dylan Sampson, moved up. (Photo of Ashton Jeanty: Candice Ward / Getty Images)
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Browns roster review: A dive into Cleveland's 2025 running back room
With the official departure of Nick Chubb, the Browns are looking to revitalize their rushing attack this season on their roster. The team is entering a rebuilding year, with many young players — including two rookie running backs — aiming to make an impact in 2025. Despite the rebuilding nature of the season, the Browns drafted with a clear message: it's time to re-establish the run game. In April, Cleveland selected two highly regarded college running backs, Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, with very high hopes. The former national champion and SEC Player of the Year will both look to make a lasting impact on the offense, alongside returning veteran backs Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. The group has limited NFL experience, with only 415 combined carries among the four players, but that won't stop them from utilizing their talents this upcoming season. With nowhere to go but up, all four backs will have plenty of opportunities to prove why they deserve to be Cleveland's starting running back. Now, let's take a deeper dive into each of these players and the impact they're expected to have in the 2025 regular season: Quinshon Judkins It's no secret that fans are waiting on pins and needles to see how the Quinshon Judkins criminal investigation and contract situation will play out. Due to his recent legal troubles, Judkins remains unsigned and will likely remain that way for the time being. He is currently one of just five 2025 NFL Draft picks who have not yet signed their rookie contracts. If and when Judkins is cleared to play for the Browns, he could become one of the team's most explosive offensive weapons. In his lone season as an Ohio State Buckeye, Judkins tallied 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. His efforts in all 16 games helped Ohio State capture a national championship. He's expected to share a significant portion of the workload with fellow rookie Dylan Sampson. Dylan Sampson You could argue that the Browns' most valuable 2025 draft selection was Tennessee Volunteer Dylan Sampson. The 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year was the heart of the Volunteers' offense, rushing for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also averaged 5.8 yards per carry and helped lead his team to a College Football Playoff berth. Sampson is expected to play a key role in the Browns' offense, regardless of what happens with Judkins. The Browns' rushing attack was at its best when they had a strong one-two punch in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. If Judkins' situation is resolved, the team could aim to recreate that successful backfield dynamic. Jerome Ford The Browns' veteran running back is returning for his fourth NFL season in Cleveland. After some negotiations, the team reduced Ford's 2025 salary from $3.86 million to $1.75 million — a move that likely secured his spot on the roster and retained his veteran presence. Despite his experience, he faces young competition for carries. In the Browns' 2024 running back carousel, Ford started six games and appeared in eight others. He totaled 790 yards and averaged a career-best 5.4 yards per carry on 104 attempts. Still, the Browns' rushing attack had a disappointing reputation last season. We'll see if Ford's familiarity with the offense gives him an edge over the rookie backs. Pierre Strong Jr. The running back in this group who will need to fight hardest for a 53-man roster spot is 26-year-old Pierre Strong Jr. Since acquiring him from the Patriots, the Browns have appreciated Strong's versatility on offense and special teams. The question is whether that will be enough to earn a roster spot. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff have not yet revealed how they'll structure the 53-man roster. Unfortunately for Strong, the team carried only three running backs on the Week 1 depth chart in 2024. His chances could improve if the Browns don't sign second-round pick Judkins, but he'll need to stand out during training camp either way.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Get to know Browns RB Dylan Sampson now after Quinshon Judkins arrest
Recent news has come out that Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has been arrested on domestic violence and battery charges in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The news broke on Saturday evening following initial reports of his arrest. Judkins has yet to sign his rookie contract with Cleveland. The Browns organization was caught off guard by the news, but fortunately, they have another highly touted rookie running back on the roster. Along with drafting Quinshon Judkins, the Browns also selected highly respected Tennessee Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson. Selecting both of these running backs was part of a plan to reestablish the rushing attack that Cleveland has lacked in recent seasons. Advertisement In 2024, Sampson had an excellent year for Tennessee, recording 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. He was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year as a result. Now, it looks like he will have every opportunity to earn the starting job if more unfortunate news about Judkins continues to emerge. Just a year ago, defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. was suspended for the first six games of the season in a similar case. If Judkins is unable to play at the start of the season, Sampson could receive a full workload in Week 1 of his NFL debut and claim the title of starting running back for the Cleveland Browns. Only veteran Jerome Ford, who has not proven himself in three seasons with the team thus far, stands between Sampson and the starting lineup until Judkins can win back the trust of the team. With training camp set to begin on July 22, this will be one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team as we inch closer to the 2025 season. This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Get to know Browns RB Dylan Sampson now after Quinshon Judkins arrest
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Yahoo
Browns RB Quinshon Judkins pays bail; is out of jail
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is out of jail after paying a $2,500 bail. The former Ole Miss and Ohio State running back was arrested over the weekend on a "delayed battery" charge. He was then charged with domestic violence and battery from an incident that took place on July 7. Judkins was also given a no-contact order with the victim until his trial, as well as a no-firearms order in the meantime. Advertisement Browns rookies are set to report to training camp with the quarterbacks on Friday, July 18. Judkins, who has yet to sign his rookie contract, is unlikely to report on time without a deal, especially following this recent arrest. This arrest, however, may just throw a wrench in his contract negotiations as well. We'll see how this plays out before the quarterbacks and rookies arrive on Friday, but there are currently two reasons why Judkins wouldn't be present. Look for fellow rookie and fourth round pick Dylan Sampson to step up with an opportunity now presented to him. This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns RB Quinshon Judkins out on bail with rookies reporting Friday
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Browns GM's Latest Nick Chubb Update Sparks Strong Reaction from NFL Fans
Entering the 2025 NFL offseason, it was widely expected that Nick Chubb would re-sign with the Cleveland Browns on an incentive-based deal. He has meant a lot to the franchise throughout his years in the city, but things have taken a turn. Following the Browns' decision to draft two running backs, Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Chubb is not expected to return to Cleveland. Advertisement Andrew Berry, the Browns' general manager, spoke out with an honest update about Chubb's possible return on Friday. "I would says it's probably increasingly unlikely," Berry said. "I'd say maybe a return is less likely, at least in the short term, with us right now." Fans are clearly not super happy with the idea of Chubb playing for another team. They have started commenting on Berry's update on the situation. Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb.© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images "Bring him back. He is The Browns," one fan wrote. Another fan commented, "I hope Chubb goes to a super bowl contender as a short yardage battering ram scores 15 touchdowns and gets a ring because he deserves that and the Browns don't deserve him." Advertisement "He really about to choose Jerome Ford over Nick Chubb? I hope they go 2-14 and he get fired," a third comment said. A fourth comment read, "Every new development stings more." "Goodbye Batman. This generations favorite Brown has likely played his final game for Cleveland," a fifth comment said. If Chubb has indeed played his final game in Cleveland, he will leave town with 1,340 career carries for 6,843 yards and 51 touchdowns in 85 games, averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. He also caught 128 passes for 1,042 yards and five more touchdowns. Related: Insider Hints a Shedeur Sanders Trade Could Be In Play for Browns
