Charger Report

ESPN's fun facts reveal why Chargers' Omarion Hampton could destroy AFC West

The Los Angeles Chargers selected UNC RB Omarion Hampton with the 22nd pick in the NFL draft. ESPN has stats and stories that should have the Raiders, Broncos and Chiefs concerned.
Brian Letscher|
Feb 28, 2025; North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (RB09) talks to the press during the 2025 NFL Combine.
Feb 28, 2025; North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (RB09) talks to the press during the 2025 NFL Combine. | Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles ChargersLas Vegas RaidersKansas City ChiefsDenver Broncos

Los Angeles Chargers' head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to run the football, a philosophy that was underlined in Carolina Blue when the organization selected Tarheel RB Omarion Hampton with the 22nd pick in NFL Draft on Thursday.

Listed at 6'0", 221 pounds, Hampton is a bruising back who loves contact while also sporting 4.46 speed at the NFL combine. While Ashton Jeanty went to the Raiders with the 6th pick overall, Hampton could prove to be just as good.

Omarion Hampton
Sep 28, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs with the ball. | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

As ESPN noted on draft day, Hampton has some elite stats and stories that demonstrate his power and prowess. Hampton totalled 3,565 total rushing yards in three seasons at UNC (4th most in school history) and is the only Tarheel to ever rush for 15 TD's in two different seasons. A tough runner, he was also the only FBS player with 1000+ yards after contact in both 2023 and 2024.

RELATED: Chargers' first-rounder Hampton models game after AFC rival

Perhaps the best tidbit, however, came from his high school coach at Cleveland High (NC), Scott Riley who said, " We let him max out in squat after his sophomore year in high school because the bar would bend if you put anymore weight on it. We didn't have the equipment to handle him."

Hampton may not be as elusive as Jeanty but there is no question he is highly effective and fits Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman's offense perfectly. Given the Charger's stout offensive line and added weapons to the pass game, it won't come as a surprise if he is tearing up the AFC West in the second of half of this season.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers undrafted free agency tracker: Latest reports and rumors after NFL draft

Chargers strike aggressive trade with Eagles, move up to pick TE Oronde Gadsden II

Chargers draft South Carolina EDGE Kyle Kennard: Instant analysis of LA's 4th-round pick

Instant draft grade proves Chargers knocked it out of the park with Kyle Kennard

Chargers Round 6 grade roundup: L.A. gets mixed reviews for late selections

Published
Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

Home/Los Angeles Chargers Latest News