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2025 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile: RB Omarion Hampton

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Terrance Biggs | Last updated Dec 21, 2024 2:00 PM ET

2025 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile

Name: Omarion Hampton

Position: Running Back

School: University of North Carolina

Height: 6 Feet

Weight: 220 Pounds

Stats

Running Style

Hampton, whether excelling between the tackles, runs with a mix of confidence and anger. While the prospect doesn't seek out contact, he doesn't shy away from it. Hampton, with his pads fully behind him, will make initial contact with defenders. If the would-be tackler chooses to throw an arm out, in an attempt to make the play, the former Carolina back easily discards him. With decisiveness as a forte, Hampton doesn't waste motion dancing laterally, Instead, he attempts to get north/south as soon as humanly possible.

Hampton's style, from extensive video research, just two flaws, both are innate, but only one can actually be fixed. First, he does not display nor flash elite agility. The one-cut approach works because it fits his skillset. He will not break down a defender in space or be able to jab-step and fake his way out of trouble. Next, coaching can help with this flaw. Hampton runs too straight up. While he does run behind his pads, the space between his elbow and knees while running looks too vertical. If he compacts that, he will not only gain a few larger but save the impending damage.

Athleticism

Hampton packs 220 pounds on a muscled frame that allows him to run through some tackle attempts. Additionally, he shows the vision and dexterity to leak out of the backfield to work effectively on dump-off and flat routes. The most underrated aspect to Hampton's game is pass protection where he will stonewall a blitzer and not look out of place. While many backs will perfunctorily block, the former Tarheel stands on business when protecting his quarterback.

Raiders Fit

Slotted as a second-round pick, the Carolina star immediately would present the Raiders with a franchise back. Currently, Vegas ranks as the undisputed worst rushing attack in football, ranking twenty-ninth or worse in attempts, yards, average, and rushing touchdowns. Zamir White and Alexander Mattison, two backs that the team envisioned would fill the void left by Josh Jacobs' departure. That tandem averages 3.1 yards on 169 carries.

Meanwhile, if you pair Hampton as the starter and Sincere McCormick or a reasonable facsimile thereof, you will see the making of a dynamic ground game. No, Omarion Hampton will not solve all the problems that the Las Vegas Raiders face offensively. However, employing a three-down running solves many of them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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