The 2025 NFL Draft isn’t being heralded for its surplus of blue-chip talent. While that may be true, it does feature one of the deepest running back classes in recent memory. There will be backs available for every team — and of every type imaginable. Three-down backs, scatbacks, power backs, slotbacks and everything in between.
While talent will be found in every round, a few prospects stand out above the rest. One of them is Omarion Hampton from North Carolina.
Hampton has been called a “violent downhill runner” in PFSN’s scouting report. He has excellent size, strength and power. “He is a power back first and foremost, but he offers excellent short-area quickness and explosiveness.” He is “massive and densely built” and should be able to handle the physical toll of the NFL.
While Hampton could help nearly every team elevate their offense, there are two teams that could benefit the most from adding the former Tar Heel to their roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers ranked 25th overall with a D+ grade in PFSN’s Offense+ metric for 2024. They reached the postseason by leaning on their ground game — a staple of Pittsburgh football dating back to the Steel Curtain days.
However, they chose not to re-sign former first-round pick Najee Harris, allowing him to test free agency. While many fans were frustrated with Harris’ technique, he did rush for 1,000-plus yards in each of his four seasons in black and gold.
That leaves them with Harris’ former partner, Jaylen Warren. The undrafted free agent has become a fan favorite, but analysts question whether he can be a true every-down back.
Pittsburgh added Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, but Harris’ reliability will be missed. Hampton could help fill that void. According to a recent PFSN article on landing spots for top prospects, Hampton fits well in Pittsburgh.
“Omarion Hampton is a well-rounded player who offers the production, high-end physical tools and versatility to excel as a three-down running back. He may not be as nifty in the open field, but he consistently churns positive yards and has the explosiveness to hit a big play every now and then.”
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are another team that could benefit from Hampton’s skill set. Denver surprised many in 2024 thanks to the strong play of rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Their offense struggled on the running front though, with only one back surpassing the 500 yard mark.
The Broncos moved on from Javonte Williams, their lead rusher, this offseason. A former second-round pick, Williams never returned to form following a 2022 knee injury.
Hampton is reminiscent of Williams, minus the injury history. Both came out of Chapel Hill with similar builds around 220 pounds. Both were productive, three-down backs with the ability to block and catch.
While the comparison to Williams might give Broncos fans pause, it’s hard to deny that Hampton brings exactly what Denver needs.
Hampton is widely viewed as the second-best running back in the 2025 class behind Ashton Jeanty. It’ll be fascinating to see if either of these teams takes a chance on another early-round back.