The Los Angeles Chargers didn't get the most overwhelming rookie season out of Omarion Hampton.
After they selected him 22nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, he played in just nine games as a severe ankle injury held him out for much of his first campaign. When he was available, however, he looked like a formidable lead back alongside the emergent Kimani Vidal.
In 2026, his outlook can't be anything but optimistic.
With a new offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, Los Angeles will revamp their run game. The enhanced mobility of the offensive linemen and the outside-zone focus that McDaniel will bring in should open up major opportunities for Hampton.
Nevertheless, selecting a running back in the first round always comes with inherent risks. Independent of positional value, however, it truly does feel like 2026 will be the year Hampton proves to be worth his draft slot.
The Athletic's recent 2025 NFL re-draft, drawn up by Nick Baumgardner, seems to agree. Even as the board broke differently, Baumgardner still had the Chargers nabbing Hampton at 22nd.
Omarion Hampton was the right choice in last year's draft, and he'll prove it in 2026
It's not extensive, but here's what Baumgardner had to say about Hampton in his re-draft:
"Hampton looked terrific — and appeared to be a perfect fit for Jim Harbaugh’s offense — before going on injured reserve with a leg injury in Week 5. Hampton still has plenty to prove, but he could do even more with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in town."- Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic
Even with the missed time, Baumgardner's point rings true. Through nine games, Hampton amassed 545 yards and four touchdowns on a solid 4.4 yards per attempt. That was in Greg Roman's run scheme.
With Vidal and Mitchell to help balance the load, McDaniel should be able to get even more out of the North Carolina product. There's a chance we see him become one of the league's premier backs in 2026.
But to sweeten the pot, here are the players that were selected after Hampton in Baumgardner's re-draft.
23. Deone Walker, DT
24. Malaki Starks, S
25. Kenneth Grant, DT
26. Harold Fannin Jr., TE
27. Ozzy Trapillo, OT
28. Josh Conerly Jr., OT
29. Josh Simmons, OT
30. Luther Burden III, WR
31. Denzel Burke, CB
32. Jihaad Campbell, LB/edge
Some of these players had impressive rookie seasons. Starks immediately took on a major role in the Baltimore Ravens defense alongside Kyle Hamilton. Fannin posted 731 receiving yards and six touchdowns with the Cleveland Browns. Luther Burden III had his own late-season breakout.
But given Los Angeles' positional needs and the potential that Hampton possesses in 2026, it's clear they couldn't have made a better selection.
It's easy to regret draft choices in hindsight, especially when that player is limited due to injuries. The Chargers shouldn't regret Hampton's selection should regret by any stretch of the imagination.
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