After weeks of speculation with no real favorite, LA Chargers fans finally have their answer. With the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chargers officially selected UNC running back Omarion Hampton.
The draft board broke in the worst possible way for the Chargers as fans' favorite targets were taken far earlier than expected. Los Angeles was left to choose between less-than-ideal options and Hampton was the best of the bunch.
While Hampton may have been the best of a bad board, he still brings juice to the Chargers offense in 2025 and beyond. The pick may not have been what fans were hoping for or expected, but it will pay off in the long run.
Despite initial distaste, Omarion Hampton will pan out for the Chargers
The Chargers were always going to draft a running back early in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the team did sign Najee Harris this offseason, Harris' deal is just for one season as he is a stopgap option. With Hamtpon alongside Harris, the Chargers now have a running back tandem they can be proud of.
Hampton picked up 1,660 rushing yards on 281 carries with 15 touchdowns last season for UNC. Over the last two years, the Hampton has picke dup 3,164 yards on the ground with 30 rushing touchdowns. Hamtpon has also hauled in 67 catches for 595 yards with three touchdowns.
Taking Hampton in the first round in what is a deep running back class may seem like it was Jim Harbaugh simply doing Harbaugh things. However, with the way the draft board broke, the Chargers were committed to taking the best player available and Hampton was clearly the best player still on the board.
It may not have been the impact defensive lineman or wide receiver fans were yearning for, but Hampton is a solid pick nonetheless. The Chargers have now solved their running back room for the future and can pivot to filling other needs.