STRENGTHS - Sampson has very good size and thickness for the position. He demonstrates the ability to pluck the ball away from his body, as well as maintain possession of the ball while absorbing big hits. He blocks with strong base and leverage, and when he's aggressive with his hands he is able to lock on with a strong inside fit and sustain blocks to the whistle.
WEAKNESSES - Sampson is a slow-twitch athlete that lacks burst in and out of his breaks and struggles to separate naturally. He does not use his hands well against press coverage and is too easily knocked off his line by physical defenders. He doesn't consistently run routes at full speed, which makes it easy for his man to predict his line. He does not display the deep speed needed to stretch the field vertically.
SUMMARY - Lanear Sampson has the body of an NFL WR, but lacks the quickness and acceleration to create separation naturally or get vertical. While he displays strong hands and a body needed to absorb punishment, he is not a physical receiver inside and is too easily redirected off his routes. His best trait is his blocking ability, as he flashes the ability to sustain blocks in space with base, leverage and strength. If he can learn to incorporate more physicality into how he takes on man coverage he could develop into a backup possession receiver, but Sampson will need to make his mark on special teams in order to maintain an NFL career.
