The Los Angeles Chargers made ͏a͏ major investment in their ground game by selecting North Carolina running back ͏Omari͏o͏n Hamp͏ton with͏ the͏ 22nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The ͏move signals head͏ coach Jim Har͏baugh’s clear ͏intention to͏ build a physical, run-heavy offense —͏ and Hampton͏ fits that ͏blueprint perfectly.
Chargers Add Depth With Round 1 Selection of Omarion Hampton
Hampton arrives in Los Angeles after a dominant college career. In three seasons with the North Carolina Tar͏ Hee͏ls,͏ he rushed for 3,565 yards and 36 touchdowns on 622 carries. Counting his contributions as a receiver, Hampton amassed 4,200 all-purpose yards and scored 40 total touchdowns, placing him fourth all-time in North Carolina’s program history.
In ͏back-to-back seasons, he eclipsed 1,500 rushing yards and earned first team All-American ͏and All-A͏CC honors in 2023 and 2024.
Despite being the second running back selected in the draft behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Hampton’s profile left little room for doubt about his pro readiness. At 221 pounds with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, he has the physical tools to thrive as an every-down back from day one.
Hampton’s college production was equally impressive after contact. Since 2023, he has amassed 2,294 rushing yards after contact, ranking second in the country. He also recorded 79 explosive runs and forced 140 missed tackles, and his 1,504 rushing yards in 2023 were the second-most in UNC single-season history.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein praised Hampton’s physicality and relentless running style: “High-volume battering ram with a three-ingredient recipe of size, strength, and aggression. Hampton is a linear runner lacking creativity and wiggle, but once the gas is engaged, he runs like a downhill truck whose brake lines have been cut.”
READ MORE: Chargers Draft Hampton — Fantasy Impact on Harris and Others
However, Zierlein also noted areas for improvement, particularly in vision and pass protection: “He fails to recognize alternative run lanes that offer easier paths and more yardage… He needs to work on his pass protection, but can create positive plays on swing passes and screens.” Durability was also flagged as a potential concern due to his tendency to seek contact.
Even so, the Chargers clearly view Hampton as a tone-setter who complements Najee Harris. The former Alabama star signed with the team earlier in the offseason, and the duo now forms a formidable one-two punch in the backfield. With Harbaugh’s commitment to running the football, Hampton is expected to get as many carries as he can handle.
If Hampton can refine his pass-blocking and learn to avoid unnecessary contact, he has all the tools to become one of the NFL’s most productive backs — and the engine of a retooled Chargers offense.
