Omarion Hampton has all the tools to be a star in the NFL, but questions remain about his ability to translate his college success to the next level
If he lands in the right system and can refine his game, he has the potential to be a highly productive running back.
However, if his limitations prove too difficult to overcome, he could struggle to find a consistent role at the professional level.
Whether he is an underrated gem or an overhyped prospect remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Hampton’s journey to the NFL will be one to watch.
Omarion Hampton is one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Chicago Bears are reportedly considering him as a potential first-round pick.
While he possesses the power and explosiveness necessary to thrive in the NFL, there are concerns about his fit within Chicago’s offensive system.
If the Bears ultimately decide to select Hampton, he could play a crucial role in supporting Caleb Williams and revitalizing the team’s rushing attack.
However, with other options like Ashton Jeanty available, the Bears’ final decision remains uncertain.
As the draft approaches, Chicago must carefully evaluate whether Hampton is the right choice to help them build a competitive team for the future.
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Table of Contents
Omarion Hampton: Who Is He?
A Rising Star or an Overlooked Prospect?
The 2025 NFL Draft class is shaping up to be an exciting one, especially for teams in need of a dynamic running back.1
One of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft is Omarion Hampton, a star rusher from the University of North Carolina. While his statistics and accolades suggest he could be a top pick, not all experts are convinced.
NFL draft analyst Bob McGinn has presented a more tempered evaluation, questioning Hampton’s draft stock and projecting him as a potential third or fourth-round pick.
But is Hampton being underrated, or are these concerns valid? Let’s dive deeper into his strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit in the NFL.
See this Instagram video by @corychappell68 https://t.co/YvKVZLQBaN
— Omarion Hampton (@OmarionHampton) February 14, 2022
College Dominance: A Standout Performer
Hampton had an impressive college career at UNC, especially during his 2024 season.
In 12 games, he amassed 1,660 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 281 carries, proving himself as one of the most productive running backs in college football.
Beyond his rushing ability, he showcased versatility, adding 373 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 38 receptions.
These numbers earned him his second first-team All-American selection and cemented his status as one of the top running backs in the nation.
Omarion Hampton: The Strengths That Make Hampton an Elite Prospect
While McGinn has pointed out flaws in Hampton’s game, there’s no denying that he brings several elite traits to the table:
- Size and Speed Combination – At 6’1″ and 220 pounds, Hampton possesses a rare blend of size and speed that makes him a difficult matchup for defenders. His ability to break tackles and accelerate in the open field is reminiscent of some of the best power-speed backs in recent years.
- Durability and Workhorse Mentality – Hampton’s ability to handle a high workload was evident throughout his time at UNC. With 281 carries in his final season, he proved that he could be a bell-cow back for an NFL team.
- Explosiveness – He has a knack for creating big plays. His straight-line speed allows him to break long runs, and he posted multiple games with over 100 rushing yards, including two games where he surpassed the 200-yard mark.
- Receiving Ability – Unlike some power backs who struggle as pass-catchers, Hampton has shown he can be an effective receiving threat, making him a well-rounded option for NFL offenses.
The Criticism: Does Hampton Have Hidden Flaws?
Despite his impressive production, McGinn and other scouts have highlighted areas where Hampton may struggle in the transition to the NFL:
- High Running Style – One of the biggest knocks on Hampton is his running posture. He runs upright, which can make him more susceptible to big hits and limit his ability to change direction quickly.
- Limited Lateral Agility – Unlike some of the NFL’s top running backs who can shift direction effortlessly, Hampton is considered a more linear runner. His ability to change directions suddenly and elude tacklers in tight spaces is a question mark.
- Instinctiveness and Vision – The running back position is often described as one that requires instinct and vision, beyond just physical tools. Some scouts believe that Hampton relies too much on his physical gifts rather than reading blocks effectively.
- Scheme Dependence – There is speculation that Hampton will need to land in a scheme that maximizes his strengths. He may be best suited for a team that runs an outside-zone scheme, similar to what the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams employ.
Omarion Hampton: NFL Comparison
Who Does Hampton Resemble?
If Hampton reaches his full potential, he could resemble a back like Derrick Henry or Rashaad Penny.2
Like Henry, he has the size and straight-line speed to dominate in the right system.
However, if his limitations become more apparent, he could struggle to carve out a consistent role, similar to how Penny has battled inconsistency in his NFL career.
Best NFL Fits: Where Could Hampton Thrive?
For Hampton to succeed at the next level, he needs to land in an offense that caters to his strengths.
Some ideal landing spots include:
- San Francisco 49ers – Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone scheme could be a perfect fit, allowing Hampton to use his speed and size to excel in a one-cut-and-go system.
- Los Angeles Rams – Sean McVay has had success with running backs who can operate in a similar scheme, and Hampton could thrive in their offensive system.
- Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens love physical runners, and Hampton’s combination of power and speed could make him an intriguing addition alongside Lamar Jackson.
- Chicago Bears – With an improved offensive line and a commitment to the run game, Hampton could be a valuable piece in Chicago’s backfield.
Draft Stock: First-Round Talent or Mid-Round Pick?
Hampton’s talent suggests he could be a first-round pick, but concerns about his running style and agility have caused some experts to project him as a third or fourth-round selection.
Running back value in the NFL has also declined in recent years, as teams prioritize other positions early in the draft.
However, a strong performance at the NFL Combine could boost his stock significantly, especially if he showcases improved lateral quickness and agility drills.
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Omarion Hampton Linked to the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Chicago Bears are one of the teams reportedly interested in selecting Omarion Hampton in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.3
With the No. 10 overall pick, the Bears are in a prime position to bolster their offense by adding a talented running back to support their newly drafted quarterback, Caleb Williams.
Hampton, a standout from the University of North Carolina (UNC), has caught the attention of many scouts and analysts. However, recent evaluations have sparked debates about whether he is the right fit for Chicago.
The Bears’ Need for a Running Back
The Bears have struggled with consistency in their running game over the past few seasons. While Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson have shown flashes of brilliance, neither has emerged as a true workhorse.
Adding a high-caliber running back like Hampton could provide much-needed balance to an offense that will likely be built around Caleb Williams.
As the Bears usher in a new era with Caleb Williams at quarterback, they need a strong ground game to ease his transition into the NFL.
A dynamic running back can take pressure off a young quarterback by providing a reliable rushing attack and improving overall offensive efficiency.
Omarion Hampton’s combination of power and agility makes him an intriguing option for the Bears.
Omarion Hampton’s College Career
Hampton was a dominant force at UNC, where he consistently showcased his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact.
His physicality, coupled with his explosiveness, allowed him to stand out as one of the top running backs in college football.
Strengths in Hampton’s Game
Hampton possesses several key attributes that make him an attractive draft prospect:
- Power Running: Hampton thrives in short-yardage situations, making him an ideal candidate for goal-line and third-down scenarios.
- Acceleration: His burst through the line of scrimmage enables him to gain significant yardage quickly.
- Pass Protection: Hampton has demonstrated solid pass-blocking ability, an essential skill for protecting a young quarterback like Williams.
Areas for Improvement
While Hampton has shown great potential, there are some concerns:
- Top-End Speed: Though he has excellent initial acceleration, he lacks the breakaway speed seen in some elite NFL backs.
- Receiving Ability: Hampton has not been heavily utilized as a receiver out of the backfield, which could limit his versatility in certain offensive schemes.
The Bears’ Alternative Option: Ashton Jeanty
Chicago is also monitoring Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who is considered one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 class. If Jeanty is taken before the Bears’ selection, Hampton becomes an even more viable option.
How Jeanty Compares to Hampton
- Speed: Jeanty is regarded as the faster of the two backs, making him a potential home-run threat.
- Receiving Skills: Unlike Hampton, Jeanty has proven himself as a capable receiver, which might make him a better fit in certain offensive systems.
- Durability: Hampton’s power running style makes him more suited for a workhorse role, while Jeanty’s agility helps him avoid direct contact.
Bob McGinn, a respected NFL analyst, recently made comments about Hampton that have raised concerns among scouts and front offices.
Some question whether Hampton has the elite vision necessary to succeed at the professional level. If his ability to read blocks and react quickly is not up to par, it could limit his effectiveness in the NFL.
Omarion Hampton: Promotion
Omarion Hampton partnered with Uber and promoting Uber One for Students on his social media account.
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Chicago’s Potential Hesitation
While Hampton is a talented prospect, the Bears may hesitate due to the following reasons:
- Fit Within the Offensive Scheme: The Bears need a back who can contribute in both the running and passing game. Hampton’s limitations in the latter may impact their decision.
- Draft Value: Taking a running back at No. 10 is a significant investment. The Bears must be certain that Hampton is worth such a high selection.
Historically, the Bears have been at their best when they have a reliable running game. From Walter Payton to Matt Forte, the team has always benefited from having a powerful rusher in the backfield.
If Hampton can live up to his potential, he could continue this tradition and provide much-needed stability to Chicago’s offense.
Potential Role in the Bears’ Offense
If drafted, Hampton would likely split carries early on with Herbert and Johnson before eventually taking over as the primary back.
His physicality would make him an excellent asset in cold-weather games at Soldier Field, where a strong running game is often necessary.
Chicago is not the only team considering Hampton. Several other franchises, including the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have expressed interest in the UNC standout. If the Bears pass on him, there is a high likelihood that he will still be selected in the first round.
If the Bears feel that No. 10 is too high to select Hampton, they could consider trading down to acquire additional draft picks while still securing their desired running back.
This strategy would allow them to address other roster needs while still improving their ground game.
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