Chargers' first-rounder Hampton models game after AFC rival and that's a good thing

The Los Angeles Chargers selected RB Omarion Hampton with the 22nd pick in the draft, giving them the mirror image of a runner that skewered them at a crucial time in 2024.

Nov 16, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs in a game. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Chargers added to their running back room early in the 2025 draft. Turns out they picked a guy that very much admires a guy who ran all over the Chargers defense in 2024.

The Chargers selected North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton with their Round 1 pick on Thursday. At 6'0", 221 pounds and possessing 4.46 speed, Hampton is a big back who can bruise a defense and, if he skirts through on a straight line, take it to the house. These traits match up with a ninth-year NFL back who is still playing at a very high level: Joe Mixon of the Houston Texans.

Jan 11, 2025; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Turns out that Hampton is a big admirer of Mixon's and has learned a lot from watching him play. He has mentioned this in several interviews, including one on Chris Simms' Unbuttoned, "I watch a lot of Joe Mixon. I love his running style. I feel like we compare."

Omarion Hampton mentioned his admiration for Joe Mixon multiple times including mentioning him first as someone he’d love to pair with in the NFL. He also said he HAS met met with Texans. pic.twitter.com/KfkeZGTbme
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) February 28, 2025

In 2017 when he was drafted, Mixon measured 6'1", 226 pounds with a 4.43 40-yard time at Oklahoma's pro day -- numbers that are nearly identical to Hampton's. Mixon is a two-time Pro Bowler, in 2021 as well as this past season -- the same season in which Mixon bullied the Chargers defense for 106 yards on 25 carries with one touchdown in the 32-12 Texans' victory in the playoffs.

No doubt Chargers' head man Jim Harbaugh would be very happy to see his new bellcow back have the numbers of Mixon -- may the playoff victories come with them.

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers GM's hilarious draft evaluation of Adam Sandler, Tom Hanks and other actors in football films

Chargers' first rounder Omarion Hampton puts immediate pressure on Najee Harris

Los Angeles Chargers' Round 1 pick in final mock draft would be massive mistake

Chargers select Omarion Hampton: Instant analysis of LA's first-round pick

Chargers receive passing grade despite not addressing greatest need with Omarion Hampton