Who Should I Start? Sean Tucker or Dylan Sampson

Saturday, February 14, 9:15 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker saw a career high of 86 carries in 2025, and although his efficiency dipped drastically from his 2024 sophomore campaign, he could see an expanded role in 2026. With fifth-year back Rachaad White scheduled to hit free agency, and a weak incoming rookie class, Tucker should slot in as Bucky Irving's primary backup/change-of-pace back. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has already compared Irving to Bijan Robinson, whom he rode to a league-leading 2,298 yards from scrimmage with the Falcons in 2025. The unspoken silver lining is that, in Robinson's two seasons in Atlanta, backup running back Tyler Allgeier averaged 671 yards and over five touchdowns while working behind arguably the most talented back in the league. Where Tucker will need to make significant strides to stay on the field is in the passing game. He averaged an abysmal 0.58 yards per route run in 2025, his second time below 0.7 yards through his first three seasons. If Robinson can tap into Tucker's game-breaking speed and boost his efficiency while working him into the passing game, the fourth-year back could be in line for a minor breakout.

Wednesday, February 11, 9:49 AM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson spent most of his rookie season as the team's primary receiving back, but following a late-season injury to fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins, he was given the opportunity to serve as Cleveland's lead back for the final two games of 2025. Unfortunately, playing behind an offensive line that struggled throughout the year to open running lanes or keep a revolving door of quarterbacks off the ground, he finished those two games with only 59 yards on 21 carries. With Judkins' status uncertain for the beginning of 2026, Sampson will likely get first crack at primary duties yet again, but unless Cleveland is able to drastically overhaul their offensive line in year one under new head coach Todd Monken, the bulk of his value will still come through his passing work. Sampson will look to improve on his 33 receptions as a rookie, but given his current surroundings, he is not a player who needs to be aggressively pursued.