Browns: Dylan Sampson is ‘electric with the ball.’ Even with this flaw.

The Cleveland Browns have had some familiar names showcasing their talents in the passing game coming out of the backfield. 

From Bobby Mitchell (a team-high 45 receptions and six touchdowns in 1960) through Greg Pruitt (No. 20 on the franchise’s all-time list for receptions) and Calvin Hill (six receiving touchdowns in 1978 and 1980), Earnest Byner (No. 15 on the franchise’s all-time list for receptions), and Duke Johnson (a team-record for running backs with 74 receptions in 2017), the Browns have found ways to incorporate running backs into the passing game successfully.

The latest player looking to join that group is second-year running back Dylan Sampson, who was third on the team with 33 receptions and a team-long 66-yard reception.

Sampson flashed his ability in Saturday’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears when he ripped off a 43-yard catch-and-run, which is the type of play the coaches want to see from him, according to head coach Todd Monken:

“Well, he’s electric with the ball in his hands. So how do we get (the ball) to him? I think,  over time, he’s going to be a guy that’s a tough matchup … when he gets matched up on a linebacker, it will be an advantage for us. I think he has that in him. So, there’s a lot there to like, now as we get to practice and get into games.”

If there is one thing holding Sampson back, it may be his pass-blocking ability. Last season, both Sampson (Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 23) and Quinshon Judkins (PFF grade of 19.1) struggled in that area, and it is something that Monken is waiting to see improvement from in Sampson:

“Can he hold up in protection? That’s the biggest thing. Because it’s one thing to say you’re a matchup. It’s another to say, OK, how am I going to hold up when I’ve got to protect a blitzing linebacker, a safety off the edge? (Baltimore safety) Kyle Hamilton comes off the edge, and we need you to really stick him. That’s where it’ll come down to.”

While that could be seen as a detriment, Monken views it as yet another opportunity to coach up his players to get the best out of them:

“Well, our job is to find out what our players do really well, what do they lead at? They made it to the NFL because of a trait that they had. Now, how do we develop and round out their skill set? That’s what coaching and development are about. 

“So, how are we able to get players with an elite skill set to do what they do best without being so tendency-oriented that that’s all you do when they’re in? Does that make sense? How do you get them in your rotation and utilize them in a way that allows you to function at a really high level? And that’s what I really like about Samp. I think he’s going to be an explosive player. You just got to get him in space.”

Sampson, along with rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion, gives Monken some opportunities to exploit the defense and help out the league’s worst quarterback room in the process. 

With any luck, that long catch-and-run from Sampson won’t be the last time he makes a defense look foolish this season.