The Los Angeles Chargers made a bold move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton with the 22nd overall pick. Hampton, a two-time Doak Walker Award finalist, brings a powerful running style and impressive speed to a Chargers team looking to bolster its ground game under head coach Jim Harbaugh [A](https://www.chargers.com/news/omarion-hampton-2025-nfl-draft-jim-harbaugh?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJoN3Q3dEYxWVpUaktwWVNtdEw4RDUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYVJoQjhHcGl6WVFjdDRiSzM0ZW40IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNoYXJnZXJzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvb21hcmlvbi1oYW1wdG9uLTIwMjUtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LWppbS1oYXJiYXVnaCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Hampton’s selection was a strategic decision for the Chargers, who have been reshaping their offense. With the departure of key running backs in free agency, the team needed a dynamic player who could step in and make an immediate impact. Hampton fits the bill perfectly. His ability to break tackles and accelerate through gaps makes him a valuable asset in Harbaugh’s run-heavy system [B](https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chargers/2025/04/24/los-angeles-chargers-nfl-draft-omarion-hampton-instant-analysis/83263895007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJoN3Q3dEYxWVpUaktwWVNtdEw4RDUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYVJoQjhHcGl6WVFjdDRiSzM0ZW40IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2hhcmdlcnN3aXJlLnVzYXRvZGF5LmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvbmZsXC9jaGFyZ2Vyc1wvMjAyNVwvMDRcLzI0XC9sb3MtYW5nZWxlcy1jaGFyZ2Vycy1uZmwtZHJhZnQtb21hcmlvbi1oYW1wdG9uLWluc3RhbnQtYW5hbHlzaXNcLzgzMjYzODk1MDA3XC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
The Chargers’ front office deliberated extensively before making their pick. With several top prospects off the board, they weighed their options carefully, ultimately deciding that Hampton’s combination of power and agility was too good to pass up. His 4.46 speed adds an elusive element to his game, complementing the team’s existing offensive weapons [B](https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chargers/2025/04/24/los-angeles-chargers-nfl-draft-omarion-hampton-instant-analysis/83263895007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJoN3Q3dEYxWVpUaktwWVNtdEw4RDUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYVJoQjhHcGl6WVFjdDRiSzM0ZW40IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2hhcmdlcnN3aXJlLnVzYXRvZGF5LmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvbmZsXC9jaGFyZ2Vyc1wvMjAyNVwvMDRcLzI0XC9sb3MtYW5nZWxlcy1jaGFyZ2Vycy1uZmwtZHJhZnQtb21hcmlvbi1oYW1wdG9uLWluc3RhbnQtYW5hbHlzaXNcLzgzMjYzODk1MDA3XC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
For Hampton, the move to Los Angeles is a dream come true. The young running back expressed his excitement about joining the Chargers, emphasizing the positive interactions he had with the team throughout the pre-draft process. He felt a strong connection with the organization, making his transition to the NFL even more meaningful [A](https://www.chargers.com/news/omarion-hampton-2025-nfl-draft-jim-harbaugh?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJoN3Q3dEYxWVpUaktwWVNtdEw4RDUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYVJoQjhHcGl6WVFjdDRiSzM0ZW40IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNoYXJnZXJzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvb21hcmlvbi1oYW1wdG9uLTIwMjUtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LWppbS1oYXJiYXVnaCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Beyond his physical abilities, Hampton’s mindset and work ethic make him an ideal fit for the Chargers. He has consistently demonstrated a love for the game and a willingness to put in the effort required to succeed at the professional level. His enthusiasm for football aligns well with Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy, which prioritizes toughness and dedication [C](https://www.chargers.com/news/omarion-hampton-stats-2025-nfl-draft?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJoN3Q3dEYxWVpUaktwWVNtdEw4RDUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYVJoQjhHcGl6WVFjdDRiSzM0ZW40IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNoYXJnZXJzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvb21hcmlvbi1oYW1wdG9uLXN0YXRzLTIwMjUtbmZsLWRyYWZ0In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
As Hampton prepares to take the field in his rookie season, expectations are high. The Chargers are looking to make a deep playoff run, and Hampton’s presence in the backfield could be a game-changer. His ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiving option out of the backfield gives the team additional versatility on offense [B](https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chargers/2025/04/24/los-angeles-chargers-nfl-draft-omarion-hampton-instant-analysis/83263895007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJoN3Q3dEYxWVpUaktwWVNtdEw4RDUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYVJoQjhHcGl6WVFjdDRiSzM0ZW40IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY2hhcmdlcnN3aXJlLnVzYXRvZGF5LmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvbmZsXC9jaGFyZ2Vyc1wvMjAyNVwvMDRcLzI0XC9sb3MtYW5nZWxlcy1jaGFyZ2Vycy1uZmwtZHJhZnQtb21hcmlvbi1oYW1wdG9uLWluc3RhbnQtYW5hbHlzaXNcLzgzMjYzODk1MDA3XC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Ultimately, Hampton’s arrival in Los Angeles marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both him and the Chargers. With a strong offensive line and a talented supporting cast, he has the opportunity to thrive in a system designed to maximize his strengths. As he steps onto the field in the iconic powder blue jersey, Hampton is ready to prove that he is more than just a draft pick—he is a powerhouse ready to make his mark in the NFL [A](https://www.chargers.com/news/omarion-hampton-2025-nfl-draft-jim-harbaugh?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJoN3Q3dEYxWVpUaktwWVNtdEw4RDUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiYVJoQjhHcGl6WVFjdDRiSzM0ZW40IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNoYXJnZXJzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvb21hcmlvbi1oYW1wdG9uLTIwMjUtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LWppbS1oYXJiYXVnaCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
