North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton runs as Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive lineman Kevin Pointer defends in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Chargers first-round pick Omarion Hampton's must-see highlights

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Tyler Reed | Last updated May 11, 2025 5:30 AM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers are not hiding what the team will be trying to do on offense in the 2025 season with their first round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Chargers selected former North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton with their first pick. Hampton will be paired with consistent 1,000-yard running back Najee Harris in the Los Angeles backfield.

What should fans expect from Hampton? Here are a few highlights from his dominant tenure as the Tar Heels' top backfield option.

Omarion Hampton posted an incredible 9.93 RAS with a 4.47 40 at 6’0, 221lbs

But how’s the tape? Well…

➖ contact balance
➖ burst through the LOS
➖ surprising open-field elusiveness
➖ drags tacklers for extra yards
➖ pass pro & solid hands

Day 1 plug-and-play starter. pic.twitter.com/KnhNYFXmAz
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 7, 2025

NFL Draft Files saw Hampton as a "Day 1 plug-and-play starter", and that's exactly what the Chargers are hoping for.

Teams like the Detroit Lions have proven that having two starting running backs could be the right recipe for success.

Very impressed with UNC RB Omarion Hampton

Great pass protection rep here. QB calls out potential blitz off the left. Hampton checks him at the snap, sees him drop, and immediately scans to the other edge.

Closes ground and meets the blitzer with a great base. Gets 2 for 1. pic.twitter.com/nfnj154qSp
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 18, 2025

ESPN's Benjamin Solak tweeted out a highlight of Hampton doing an excellent job in pass protection, picking up the blitz.

Protecting quarterback Justin Herbert has been, and will be, priority number one for the Chargers, and having a running back who can read the blitz will be vital.

Omarion Hampton in Harbaugh’s system is going to be unstoppable
pic.twitter.com/Xml015jT1r
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) April 25, 2025

Hampton shows all the characteristics of a player who can make an immediate impact. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to establish a physical run game, and pairing Hampton and Harris could create another one of the top running back duos in all of the NFL.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Chargers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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