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Chargers Visit With More NFL Draft Weapons for Mike McDaniel's Revamped Offense

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Chris Roling | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 4:45 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers turned some heads last year with the Omarion Hampton pick in the first round.

For Justin Herbert, the offensive line seemed like the much better idea. Alas, Hampton has the upside of being one of the NFL’s very best running backs, especially now that he gets to rumble downhill in a Mike McDaniel offense with a remade blocking scheme and an upgraded offensive line.

While Hampton was in and out of the lineup last year, Kimani Vidal more than proved himself as a capable every-down back for a number of games, too (remember, the Najee Harris experiment backfired, to say the least).

Naturally, then, the most recent reporting says the Chargers are looking at a certain running back before the NFL draft, anyway.

Chargers looking at NFL draft running backs again

SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

According to ESPN’s Jermey Fowler, the Chargers are one of the teams hosting former Oklahoma and California running back Jaydn Ott on a visit before the NFL draft.

Ott is an impressive running back prospect, but of course, he’s also got those West Coast ties, so the Chargers probably know him quite well.

For his career, Ott rushed for 2,655 yards and 24 touchdowns on a 4.8 average and caught 98 passes with six scores through the air.

Of course, in Jim Harbaugh's offenses, pass protection is a must. So here’s PFF’s Trevor Sikkema on that for Ott:

“There were occasional lapses in pass protection, but he generally kept his eyes in the right place and has the build to hold up in that role. As a receiver, he produced consistently across all three seasons at Cal.”

No great shock to see at least due diligence on backs from the Chargers. But keep in mind that beyond Hampton and Kimani Vidal, the Chargers also made a rather big splash in free agency when they brought on Keaton Mitchell, a super-McDaniel signing who could have a big impact in the rotation.

Beyond the big three there, the Chargers also have Jaret Patterson and Amar Johnson on the depth chart and ready to compete.

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

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