Who Should I Start? J.K. Dobbins or Dylan Sampson

Tuesday, July 8, 2:16 PM

According to Broncos beat writer Cody Roark of Mike High Sports, recently acquired running back J.K. Dobbins "will likely be the starter" to open the 2025 campaign. Dobbins came back from a brutal run of injuries, including a torn Achilles, to rush for 905 yards and nine touchdowns for the Los Angeles Chargers last season. The Broncos signed him to a one-year deal following the 2025 NFL Draft. During the draft, the organization selected UCF running back RJ Harvey in the second round, and Roark said he will also have an extensive role. While this only adds more confusion to what could be a complicated backfield, early-offseason beat reports and camp information should be taken with a grain of salt. Both Broncos running backs have upside, but Harvey should be viewed as the high-ceiling pick. After all, Dobbins averaged just 3.8 yards per carry after Weeks 1 and 2 a season ago.

Saturday, June 28, 11:38 AM

Cleveland Browns rookie fourth-round running back Dylan Sampson received work "as a running back and a receiver" during minicamp, according to RBs coach Duce Staley. Staley went on to add that Sampson "is able to go play in the slot and also he's able to go and play on third down and maybe sprinkle in a little second down." The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Dan Labbe thinks that heading into training camp, rookies Quinshon Judkins and Sampson figure to be the top two backs, with Jerome Ford serving as the primary third-down back. The 20-year-old Sampson rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns (5.8 yards per carry) in 2024 at Tennessee, but he wasn't all that involved as a pass-catcher. He's a speedy back that could be worth a dart throw in deep PPR formats, but most likely he'll be an inconsistent fantasy performer unless Judkins misses time with an injury.