The second running back has come off the board. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton will go 22nd overall by the Chargers.
Hampton will join a new-look RB corps for the Chargers. Last year, the team navigated into the post-Austin Ekeler era. With Jim Harbaugh running the show, the Chargers relied on some of John Harbaugh’s former favorites in 2024.
J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were plenty productive in their roles, especially the former. Dobbins returned from a lost 2023 campaign to have one of the best seasons of his career, finishing with 1,058 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. However, both of the vets naturally missed time during the season, and the team was clearly valuing availability heading into the offseason.
That explains why the team opted for Najee Harris as their veteran addition. While the former Steelers RB never truly lived up to his draft billing, he’s about as reliable as you can get at the position. Harris topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four seasons in Pittsburgh, and he famously never missed a regular season game.
Now, the team can pair their veteran acquisition with a dynamic rookie RB. Hampton made a name for himself in three seasons at North Carolina. He had a breakout campaign in 2023 and followed that up with an even better 2024 season. Hampton finished last year with 2,033 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns. He also hauled in a career-high 38 receptions, stats that bode well for his pass-catching prowess in the NFL.
The Chargers still have some worthy depth in Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, so Hampton may not be handed an immediate role. However, the rookie possesses more upside than anyone on the depth chart, and there’s a good chance he’s leading the position in touches by the end of the 2025 campaign.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
They looked so confused during the broadcast. Later explanation of Eagles trying to trade up makes more sense now.
This looks like a great pick for this team. There are still some great backs on the board, though-Henderson, Skattebo, and Rocket Sanders (probably the best under the radar back) are all still values for any more teams looking to add at this position.
Solid pick by the Chargers but you have to think this means Dobbins is officially gone.
Will Denver or Pittsburgh sign him now?
Stupid pick when you signed Harris and Herbert needs targets to throw to,
Gonna have to disagree.
Harris is on a one year deal, and LA clearly doesn’t have much of anything behind him right now.
They already drafted two first round WRs and brought back Mike Williams. There are still WRs with plenty of upside in the draft.
@not. I agree. This team is definitely better than last year. Not really sexy picks or signings, but that’s the ravens way. You can probably argue that maybe they get a runningback or defensive tackle in the 2nd or third round but Hampton was clearly the top guy on the board. Now I’m hoping they can get Higgins/taylor/arroyo in second, and grab a defensive tackle in the third
Harris doesn’t move the needle much. Hampton is a better short and long term asset and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. Chargers can go WR in round 2. Better value there anyway. I don’t see Golden being a #1 in the league.
Dobbins been a free agent he ain’t coming back lol
So have plenty of players because of the draft comp formula.
FYI @ProFootballRumors your cover picture for Omarion Hampton is the wrong #28 for UNC. That is Alijah Huzzie. I think y’all have used the wrong cover picture on a few posts that included Omarion Hampton updates. Thanks for all y’all do and for the great draft coverage!