North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) with the ball as North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Kamal Bonner (34) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Chargers first round selection Omarion Hampton's elite college highlights

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Tyler Reed | Last updated Apr 24, 2025 11:03 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers' first round selection of the 2025 NFL Draft will be a lot of help on the offensive side.

However, it may not be the position many were expecting. The Chargers selected running back Omarion Hampton with the 22nd pick in the first round.

It's not a wide receiver, but it's still a dangerous weapon to add to the Chargers' offensive arsenal. Take a closer look at the newest member of the Chargers.

Flashy Highlights

New Chargers RB Omarion Hampton is HIM!

97th percentile in Yards After Contact per Attempt (4.3!) —he refuses to go down
➖ Age: 21
➖ Size: 6’0”, 220 lbs

Last 2 seasons:
➖ 24 touches a game
➖ 150.4 yards per game
➖ 1.32 TDs per game

Certified WORKHORSE. Let’s eat. #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/CriiqB1YAF
— ًBoltUpYo (@BoltUpYo) April 25, 2025

The new addition to the Chargers' backfield is an absolute menace. Six-foot, 220 lbs, Hampton is going to be hard for any defender to take down at the next level.

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

Hampton dominated the ACC, leading the conference in rushing yards and carries in two of his three seasons with the Tar Heels.

Second Round Selection?

Hot take:
Omarion Hampton should be a Round 2 draft pick.

Negatives:
-problem solving laterally
-downgears laterally
-"willing" pass pro vs good reps
-adequate route running+hands
-inconsistent power/leg churn
-long speed -

He's not Breece Hall, Jonathan Taylor, or Nick Chubb. pic.twitter.com/E1uf0GImdB
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) April 5, 2025

Some on social media may have not seen Hampton as a first round selection; however, it's apparent Jim Harbaugh is looking for another physical back to establish the Chargers are a team that wants to run the football.

There's still plenty of talent left in the wide receiver class; however, the franchise missed a golden opportunity to take one of the best in the SEC from 2024, Matthew Golden.

Chargers fans now know the direction the franchise is wanting to take in 2025. However, one pick is not going to dictate the entire draft for the Chargers. The team still has nine picks to make throughout the rest of the 2025 draft.

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

More must-reads: