After nearly pulling the trigger on a trade-down in the 2025 NFL Draft, the LA Chargers stayed put with the No. 22 pick and ultimately selected UNC running back Omarion Hampton. Despite being a consensus first-round prospect heading into the draft, Chargers fans are split on the selection.
Many fans wanted to see the Chargers draft Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden, who was selected one pick later by the Green Bay Packers. With a deep running back class and Najee Harris already on the roster, many fans viewed a running back in the first round as a wasted resource.
Those fans who are upset with the selection are not going to like what head coach Jim Harbaugh had to say after the first round. In a strikingly similar fashion as a year ago, Harbaugh compared Hampton to the thing disgruntled Chargers fans wanted the most: a pass-catcher.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh: "I look at Najee (Harris) and Omarion (Hampton), both starters. It's like a third wide receiver, a nickel back." pic.twitter.com/XfX3bGyYa8
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) April 25, 2025
Jim Harbaugh's Omarion Hampton comments frustrate Chargers fans... yet again
This is not the first time Harbaugh has upset a section of the fanbase with his comments on the team's first-round picks. In fact, the Chargers head coach found himself in an identical situation a year ago.
Harbaugh made headlines last year when he called offensive linemen "weapons" after the team passed on Malik Nabers in favor of Joe Alt with the No. 5 pick. With no Ladd McConkey and a depleted WR room, many fans viewed these comments as disingenuous and short-sighted.
Of course, Alt went on to be one of the best tackles in the sport in his rookie season while the Chargers drafted one of the most productive wide receivers in McConkey. It worked out for the better, and in hindsight, Harbaugh's comments were understandable.
Those who are frustrated with Harbaugh's comments this time around should remember this context. Harbaugh had a point last year and his point is even more valid this time around. While Hampton is not a pass-catcher, he absolutely raises the floor and ceiling of this offense in the way a wide receiver room.
And yes, he adds pass-catching value to the Chargers, which fans know is very important thanks to the old days with Austin Ekeler.
The Chargers took the prospect who was the best available on their board. They did not box themselves into a wide receiver when, quite frankly, it may not even be a first-round need (especially if Keenan Allen is returning).
Is Harbaugh poking fun at the emotional reaction from the fanbase by calling Hampton a third wide receiver? Perhaps. But it does not change the fact that the Chargers made the right selection. They were right with Alt (even when we here at Bolt Beat disagreed). They will be right about Hampton.