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Chargers were entertaining trade offers before Omarion Hampton pick

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Andrew Parsaud | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers added UNC running back Omarion Hampton in the first round of Thursday night's draft. On the search for offensive playmakers all offseason, Hampton is an immediate impact player that can come in right away and contribute. He'll be splitting carries with Najee Harris, with the hope that he can become their workhourse down the line.

The Chargers, who had the No.22 pick, had plenty of calls to consider from teams trying to trade up.

Joe Hortiz on why the pick took so long: “You have to listen to offers, and we had a lot of calls coming in. Multiple teams called us, and we were talking through things, and in the end, he was the guy we were taking.” pic.twitter.com/HRbLUtnrFC
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) April 25, 2025

The back end of the first round was wild, as the New York Giants traded back up with the Houston Texans to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No.25. The Atlanta Falcons also came back into the first round one pick after to take Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. The later picks in the first round were up for grabs apparently, but the Chargers weren't interested.

Hortiz did say that Hampton was the "unanimous" pick if he were there at No. 22, so it would've been difficult to pass on that type of talent. The Chargers also have nine picks remaining in the draft, so it's not like they needed more ammo to move back. The more picks the better, but in this scenario, they felt perfectly fine taking Hampton.

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