Rookie seasons can be tough sledding, especially for running backs in a shared backfield, but that may not be the case for Omarion Hampton. That was the expectation for Omarion Hampton as he entered camp this season. With veteran Najee Harris crossing over from Pittsburgh, the duo was meant to form a powerful one-two punch for LA. On paper, it looked promising. But things took an unexpected turn for Harris, setting the stage for Hampton to shine.
A freak accident involving fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend sidelined Harris with an eye injury, placing him on the non-football injury list. This is Hampton’s chance. The rookie now has the RB1 reps in training camp, where every carry and route carries weight for his depth chart standing and long-term role.
When it comes to fantasy football stock, Omarion Hampton’s arrow is pointing straight up. Before Harris’ injury, Hampton was flying somewhat under the radar. But now? He’s a name you need to know. Currently ranked as the 18th running back according to FantasyPros’ ADP data, Hampton is creeping up draft boards.
Some players are built for the league, and Hampton has shown he’s got the physicality and the mindset to thrive. Coming out of North Carolina, he showcased not only his explosive running but also the kind of versatility you dream about in a modern NFL back.
At 6’0″ and over 220 pounds, Hampton brings power, but his quick feet and impressive vision allow him to find holes in the line of scrimmage that few can see.
More importantly, this kid’s got the juice to make big plays. Harris may be known as a grinder, but Hampton has what fantasy players and analysts love to see with his game-breaking ability. He’s not afraid to hit the afterburners on a stretch play or bounce a run outside to make defenders look silly. Put him behind a stout Chargers offensive line, and you’ve got all the makings of a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.
This is the type of rookie you dream about in the fourth or fifth round. Why draft someone stuck in a logjam or a limited role when you have Hampton sitting there, ready to take over? Kenneth Walker and Chuba Hubbard are hovering around their ADP, but the upside for Hampton crushes their situations. With RB1 reps in camp, Hampton has a legit shot at taking the Week 1 starting role and running with it. Literally.
The cherry on top for Hampton’s situation is that the Chargers’ offensive DNA is, well, mouthwatering from a running back’s perspective. With head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman leading the charge, the offensive strategy is focused on punishing defenses on the ground while still utilizing play-action to keep opposing secondaries honest.
Historically, Harbaugh’s systems tend to lean heavily on dynamic running backs, and Hampton fits the mold perfectly. For a player of Hampton’s caliber, this is the ideal landing spot. If he capitalizes on this opportunity, there’s little reason to think he could lose touches to Harris when the veteran returns to health.
Look, fantasy football champions are made in the mid to late rounds when you grab guys like Omarion Hampton. Sure, the risk of rookies flaming out exists, but here’s the kicker: the Chargers are grooming him for significant touches. It’s rare to get this much clarity this early in training camp, which means smart drafters will strike now.
Hampton is currently going off the board around the 46th overall pick. Want to go bold? You could easily call his name earlier than that without regret. He’s primed to deliver RB2 value with potential RB1 upside if the Chargers’ offense stays on script.
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