First-round pick Omarion Hampton hasn't been the instant catalyst to the LA Chargers' offense that fans were expecting. Even without that, the Chargers are 2-0 on the season with two dominating performances against division rivals.
Chargers fans were stoked when the team took the UNC running back with the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After all, Hampton was the clear RB2 behind Ashton Jeanty in the draft class and could have been the RB1 in most classes.
The draft profile has not matched his production early on and his head coach is already challenging him to be better. Harbaugh made it clear after beating the Raiders Monday that the run game needs to be better. And while he didn't outright say it, that starts with Hampton.
Jim Harbaugh on the rushing offense: “We wanna be better there.”
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 16, 2025
Jim Harbaugh challenges Omarion Hampton, Chargers RBs to be better
This might not be the most eye-popping response, and is somewhat rhetorical after the first two games the running back room has had. However, there is a big difference between saying a team needs to be better behind closed doors and saying it in public to the media. Harbaugh knows what he is doing.
This is a clear message to the running back room that it has to be better and that starts with Hampton. Hampton leads the Chargers in carries by a comfortable margin thus far as he clearly is the starting running back in this offense.
Hampton has carried the ball 23 times for 76 yards with no touchdowns through two games. That is not the production the Chargers were hoping for.
It doesn't all fall on Hampton, though, and this isn't just a message to him. The other running backs in the Chargers' room can also improve, as can the interior offensive line. The Chargers did nothing to address the starting left guard and center position, and funnily enough, the team is dealing with the same issues it dealt with last year.
That being said, J.K. Dobbins produced at an effective clip that Hampton has not been able to match to this point. It is possible to be more productive behind this offensive line and Harbaugh's comments to the media are a firm reminder of that.
Hampton, who had an avoidable fumble in the fourth quarter that crept the door back open for the Raiders momentarily, has to take this public feedback and turn it into action. Justin Herbert and the passing offense will get the Chargers pretty far, but at some point, the team is going to need a stable run game.
That starts with Hampton. And if he cannot deliver in his rookie season, Harbaugh and the Chargers may opt to explore Najee Harris as the RB1 instead.