Omarion
Hampton

Hampton's versatility was utilized during his first training camp. Lining up in the backfield, the 2025 rookie ball-carrier looked capable of contributing immediately. The Chargers also tasked him with handling kicks, taking advantage of his ability to turn any touch into a big play.

Hampton joined the Chargers in 2025 with plenty of experience as a lead back. Over his last two seasons at North Carolina from 2023-24, the playmaker logged 534 totes. He proved himself capable of carrying such a heavy load, racing through defenses to the tune of 3,164 yards and 30 touchdowns.

The second and fourth-running backs to go off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft both boast home-brewed ability. Henderson housed nine of 12, 15, 16, and 69 yards for a resurgent Patriots offense.

A running back with steady hands can turn an offense from good to elite. This is exactly why the Chargers were ecstatic to scoop up Hampton in the first round of the 2025 draft. Providing a new weapon in the passing attack, the rookie made life easier for his new signal-caller.

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With the chance to chase glory elsewhere, Hampton stayed loyal to the Tar Heels for his final season. The junior out of Clayton, N.C., solidified himself as one of the country's best backs and the focal point of the Carolina offense in 2024, leading the ACC in rushing yards for the second consecutive year (1,660).

Hampton prioritized where he was drafted rather than when he was drafted. "You could go anywhere, but if it's not a fit, then you won't be able to produce what you can do," he said on The Jim Rome Show. In the end, he didn't have to worry — he went in the first round to a dream landing spot in LA.

The Chargers have fielded two Offensive Rookie of the Year winners since the award's inception in 1967 — Don Woods (1974) and Justin Herbert (2020). The third might not be far off thanks to the addition of Hampton. The first-round pick is a true three-down back ready to star in L.A.'s run-heavy attack.

Maurice Jones-Drew ranked Hampton 13th on his list of backs going into 2025. "Hampton joins a Jim Harbaugh-led offense that loves to run the ball, so there will be plenty of touches to go around," the former All-Pro said. "He should be the bell cow for this unit … thanks to his patience and ability to bounce off defenders."

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes the No. 22 pick will have a massive impact on the Bolts in 2025. "I think when Joe Ortiz and Jim Harbaugh take Omarion Hampton in the first round, it's with the idea he can be what Frank Gore was for Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco," he said on The Rich Eisen Show.

Showcasing an elite blend of power and speed at training camp, Hampton has imposed his will with every carry. The 2025 rookie boasts elite vision and will find running lanes through a gaggle of pressure. Once he hits the hole, he'll dash downfield and make any tackler pay the price before going to the ground.

Omarion immediately showed why the Chargers drafted him 22nd in 2025. During Week 4 of his rookie year, at the Giants, he ran 12 times for 128 yards, including a 54-yard score. Hampton also caught all five of his targets for 37 yards, capping a two-tilt stretch during which he posted 294 total yards. In Week 3 versus Denver, he rushed for 70 yards.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes the No. 22 pick will have a massive impact on the Colts in 2025. "I think when Joe Ortiz and Jim Harbaugh take Omarion Hampton in the first round, it's with the idea he can be what Frank Gore was for Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco," he said on The Rich Eisen Show.

Hampton illustrated his work ethic throughout the Chargers' training camp. "Taking it play by play, learning the offense, learning the defense," said the 2025 rookie back. "Just taking it step by step." Striving to be the best version of himself, he showed consistent progress with each practice.

Despite being a college back with the Tar Heels, Hampton was thrust into the Australian limelight as a clearly "four-can't-get-better-than LA" the Sail.

Omarion runs with controlled violence, letting power back with patience, letting blocks breathe before detonating through contact. His leg drive finishes runs, his vision and finesse and the hits add up.

A powerful runner with a tireless motor, Hampton grinds down the defense with his aggressive rushing style. He doesn't shy away from contact and slams through would-be tacklers, tacking on tough yards to every carry. He also has the sizzle to burst upfield and run away from the pack when he sees an opening.

Meteorologists say you can't see thunder. Clearly, they've never observed Hampton charge through a defender. Even while watching on mute, you can identify the thunderous thighs that help the Chargers' draft pick boom. One thing is for sure: Those on the other end certainly feel it.

Despite being a college running back, Hampton is saying he's not about the reputation he's built. Hampton has a team and multiplayerback he's going to be a team player and help his team win. L.A. in 18-3rd.

With rookie minicamp and OTAs under his belt, Hampton reported for his first training camp. The Chargers' 2025 rookie back was excited to return to work. Further honing his craft, the first-round pick displayed a versatile skill set that was set to help make an instant impact in L.A.

Before his first training camp, Hampton earned words of praise from The Athletic, which marked the much-hyped rookie as one to watch. "He has game-changing talent, and that should come to life in the weeks ahead," the site wrote. "The Chargers were happy with how Hampton looked during spring practices."

There is much to like about football. For Hampton, one aspect is the camaraderie — playing hard for each other. "Knowing they got my back, knowing I got their back," he said. "That bond, that brotherhood, that feeling, is just good." Just like the feeling of watching the rookie crash through the defense.

Despite being born a small, easel in North Carolina, Hampton stayed in state and became a college star at UNC. He became the Chargers' third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. For his career, he totaled 3,873 yards and 38 touchdowns.

There is much to like about football. For Hampton, one aspect is the camaraderie—playing hard for each other. "Knowing they got my back, knowing I got their back," he said. "That bond, that brotherhood, that feeling, is just good." Just like the feeling of watching the rookie crash through the defense.

A Chargers scout remembered seeing Hampton in college and putting him on the franchise's radar because "even as a true freshman, he looked like a junior." In 2025, the team got a chance to select the UNC back and took him in the first round, with the 22nd overall pick. He looked totally in place in the NFL.

Omarion runs with controlled violence, he's a power back with patience, letting blocks develop and his tempo wears down defenses. By the fourth quarter, lacking playmakers and the hits add up. Offensive line before defensive lineman through contact. His leg drive limits his vision, finding blocks and the hits add up.