The Los Angeles Chargers opted to add firepower to their rushing attack on Thursday night, selecting Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick in the draft.
The addition of Hampton immediately makes the Chargers’ rushing attack much more formidable, something Jim Harbaugh wants to have hitting on all cylinders when the season kicks off. After signing Najee Harris in free agency, the selection of Hampton gives the team a dynamic combination that will be tough for defenses to deal with.
Hampton collected over 3,100 yards on the ground and scored 30 touchdowns in the past two years at North Carolina. He averaged right under six yards per carry and can be valuable in the passing game. All signs point to this selection being a home run for the Chargers. Do the experts agree?
Los Angeles Chargers first-round grades
Ian Valentino, The 33rd Team: A
“Giving Jim Harbaugh an athlete of the caliber of Omarion Hampton is truly one of the most exciting outcomes from the first round.
Hampton boasts a rare combination of explosiveness and size. He will immediately be one of the most dangerous three-down threats in the league, and he fits the Chargers’ play style perfectly.”
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A
“Jim Harbaugh originally brought intellectual brutality to the Stanford Cardinal. He’s always been a run-first coach who emphasizes a power running game. Well, no back is better prepared to play in the Los Angeles Chargers’ offense than North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton.
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Although Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty was a Heisman Trophy finalist and near-record-breaking runner, Hampton established himself as a legitimate first-round talent and a force unto himself in the deepest running back class in recent memory.
Omarion Hampton is closer to Ashton Jeanty than most people realize. Ankle breaker. Bell cow. And when nothing is there, he’ll still get you 4-5 yards
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 25, 2025
As Pro Football Focus noted, the two-time first-team All-American finished second in rushing yardage (3,160) and yards after contact (2,294) over the last two seasons. The 221-pound back is a powerful, downhill runner with the juice to create chunk plays in the run game, which makes him a rarity among collegiate options.
The Chargers did sign fellow running back Najee Harris in free agency, but Hampton is far more explosive than him. Besides, they need more than one power back to shoulder the workload.
JK Dobbins did an excellent job in the offense last season, but he’s always been injury-prone. The Chargers chose not to re-sign him this offseason. Instead, their backfield is getting bigger, stronger and more powerful to batter opponents.”
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
“Hampton is a great addition for the Chargers as the backfield complement to Najee Harris, who signed a one-year deal this offseason.
Hampton’s combination of power, wiggle and burst make him a home-run hitter. There’s no issue with his receiving skills, either, which means safeties are going to have to deal with his big body in the open field.
Hampton was the best fit for the Chargers at No. 22, though edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku would have given the team another young defender to make up for the loss of Joey Bosa.”
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: B
“There’s nothing wrong with Hampton going in this first-round spot because it’s worthy of his talent, not far behind the complete workhorse package of Jeanty. But it’s kind of surprising for the Chargers to invest further in revamping the backfield again after signing Najee Harris in free agency. That said, Hampton can be a special feature back who adds another key element of explosiveness to a rebooted offense.”
My Grade: A-
Strong marks across the board for the Chargers. It seems that most are in agreement that the team added a major offensive piece in the first round.
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