Who Should I Start? Braelon Allen or Dylan Sampson

Tuesday, June 3, 12:22 PM

SI.com's Albert Breer thinks that New York Jets running back Braelon Allen could have a significant role in the team's offense this year alongside Breece Hall. In his first year in the NFL in 2024, Allen had 92 carries for 334 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding 19 receptions on 27 targets for 148 yards and another score in 17 games (two starts). The 21-year-old is one of the slower RBs in the league and mainly excels in short-yardage/goal-line situations, but he's also an excellent pass protector and is a polished pass-catcher out of the backfield. Allen lost steam as his rookie season wore on and even lost reps to fifth-rounder Isaiah Davis, but with new head coach Aaron Glenn wanting to establish a run-heavy approach in his first season at the helm, it's possible Allen could see more usage alongside Hall in 2025. At best, though, he's probably a handcuff again for those that select Hall.

Saturday, May 10, 4:08 PM

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.