EL SEGUNDO — The Chargers selected running back Omarion Hampton from the University of North Carolina with their first-round pick, (22nd overall), in the NFL draft on Thursday night. Hampton satisfies their need for a playmaker who can help them establish a sound ground game.
Hampton will be paired with running back Najee Harris, who signed with the Chargers as a free agent. Harris topped 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons in the NFL while with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hampton rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior with the Tar Heels in 2024.
The Chargers had 10 picks going into the draft, one in each of the first five rounds, followed by four in the sixth round and one in the seventh. Their final three picks are compensatory selections. The second and third rounds will be held Friday and the fourth through seventh rounds will be Saturday.
The Chargers have the 55th and 86th overall picks on Day 2. They also have the 125th, 158th, 181st (from the New England Patriots in the J.C. Jackson trade), 199th, 209th (compensatory pick), 214th (compensatory pick) and 256th (compensatory pick) selections on Day 3.