When it comes to Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton, the hype is real. Look for this 2025 NFL Draft first round pick to steal some of the headlines from top NFL rookie running back Ashton Jeanty in Year 1.
Selected with the No. 22 overall pick in the draft, the former North Carolina star is stepping into the perfect situation with the Chargers. A team with one of the top young quarterbacks in Justin Hebert, the Chargers bolted into the playoff in 2024 under the guidance of Jim Harbaugh.
With running back as an area of need, the Chargers added Hampton via the draft and Najee Harris in free agency in the offseason setting up a backfield duo that could be one of the best in the NFL.
How good the running game depends largely on Hampton who emerged and was praised as the second best running back in the draft behind Jeanty.
As a running back at North Carolina, Hampton put most of the offense on his shoulder in rushing for over 3,500 yards in his college career. A two-time Doak Walker Award Finalist, Hampton has showcased a package of speed, explosiveness and vison that should give Herbert and the Chargers’ offense more versatility in 2025.
Omarion Hampton’s ceiling in his NFL career
If not for Jeanty, Hampton would’ve been the talk at running back leading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Perhaps he will be the talk of the running back class by the time the season is over because of his ability to be a back who is tough to take down. He should also shine in a situation where the weight of the offense is not on his shoulder unlike UNC.
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In his scouting report, USA Today writer Rodd Baxley sees Hampton’s power as his most beneficial impact entering the NFL. He writes:
“Hampton is capable of being a workhorse running back and the best this class has to offer at the position. UNC's offense struggled to pass the ball, but defenses still struggled to slow down Hampton. His best trait is his ability to plow through would-be tacklers and rack up yards after contact, which is a recipe for becoming an All-Pro and veteran NFL back.”
What to expect in Year 1:
Harbaugh has created the perfect situation and opportunity for Hampton to be successful in his rookie season and beyond. With Harris on board, Hampton will have time to find his niche within the offense and find his comfort in the NFL quickly. He will also benefit from learning behind the veteran running back who is also a former first-round pick who is just coming off his own rookie deal. The competition between the two in training camp will put the Chargers rookie in prime position to excel.
In all, Hampton becomes the more explosive half of a duo that will make Hebert just that much more effective as a quarterback. He will rush for over 1,000 yards and emerge as a dual-threat option as he’ll also showcase an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. In what Harbaugh and the Chargers have put together the last two drafts, the writing is on the wall for Omarion Hampton to be the missing piece of the puzzle in L.A.