The Chargers reinforced their running game in the 2025 NFL Offseason by signing former Pittsburgh Steeler Najee Harris and selecting Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina with the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft.
Harris suffered a non-football-related eye injury during the offseason and has been placed on the NFI list. Harris has been at the team facility, but has not been practicing. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said that there is currently no timeline for the new signee.
Hampton is currently seeing the majority of the snaps as RB1 during training camp and is poised for a big rookie season.
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner listed his expectations for all first-round picks in this year’s draft. Here’s what he said about the Chargers’ first-round pick:
“The Chargers signed Najee Harris this offseason, but Hampton eventually (if not immediately) will be the real bell cow in Jim Harbaugh’s offense. He is a true three-down player who was closer to [Ashton] Jeanty on more scouting boards than the average fan thought. Don’t be surprised to see him as a serious candidate for rookie of the year.”
The 22nd overall pick logged 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns in his last collegiate season. The running back averaged 55.9 rushing yards per attempt.
Evading the Defense At Practice
GettyLos Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton
The former North Carolina Tar Heel has been making his name known throughout offseason training.
Chargers’ offensive coordinator Greg Roman praised the first-round selection, saying he’s got all the tools.
“All eyes are usually on a team’s first-round pick in preseason play, but Hampton falls into a category for multiple reasons,” Chargers editorial director Eric Smith wrote. “While Hampton has looked good running the ball in padded practices, his defensive teammates obviously haven’t tackled him to the ground.”
“It’s a good bet that Hampton will play a key role in the Bolts offense in 2025. But it’s not also out of the question that he could earn himself a potential starting role with an impressive preseason.”
Hampton said that he has been learning from Harris and other veterans at practice. The former Har Heel said that he wants to bring the value back to the running back position.
Omarion Hampton Names His Rookie Season Goals
GettyLA Chargers running back Omarion Hampton at the 2025 NFL Combine
With Najee Harris not practicing, Omarion Hampton will make his preseason debut as the starting RB when the Bolts take on the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame game on Thursday.
When speaking to CBS Sports Bryant McFadden, the running back said he didn’t want to throw out a number for his rookie season.
McFadden threw out a 1,200 and in the 9-10 touchdown range, if it fits the RB. Hampton said it would put a smile on his face, but he always aims for higher.
If Hampton has a good preseason, he could be the starting running back when the regular season begins.
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