The Los Angeles Chargers found themselves in an interesting spot in the 2025 NFL Draft, seeing often mocked targets like Coleston Loveland, Kenneth Grant and Tyler Warren all being taken before the Chargers’ selection.
This left General Manager Joe Hortiz to draft running back Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina with the 22nd overall pick.
First Reactions To The Chargers’ First Round Pick In The 2025 NFL Draft
The idea of having Najee Harris coupled with Omarion Hampton in year one gives the Chargers the identity they have been searching for since the hiring of Jim Harbaugh and Hortiz.
LWOS writer Hunter Haas says: “Hampton has superb vision as a runner and can outrun almost anyone when he hits the top gear. Furthermore, the UNC star is slippery and impossible to wrap up in space. He blocks well enough to play on obvious passing downs, and Hampton still has another level he can reach as a receiver in the NFL.”
Omarion Hampton is a solid pick for the Chargers, one that will both impact their future and their current offense. A player to grow with Justin Herbert and take the load off his shoulders.
Looking at the negatives of this selection is the fall of Will Johnson. He reuniting with his college coaching staff was a real possibility, and the Chargers opted to go with a less-valued position instead. The injury concerns for Johnson must be a real issue for this Chargers team. This also shuts the door for fan-favorite Charger, JK Dobbins.
Chargers Roster Implications
Leading up to the draft, it did seem the Chargers were interested in Omarion Hampton, seeing the value in the running back position. This is, at the end of the day, Harbaugh’s team.
With Hampton being the Chargers first-round pick, this should definitely lead Chargers fans to be optimistic about their running back room, considering it now has two first-round selections, a sixth-round second-year player in Kimani Vidal, and Hassan Haskins, a special teams ace.
Hampton will likely become the Chargers RB1 of the future once Harris leaves, possibly giving Harris enough relief to restore his Alabama form. Enough of the 3.5 YPC seasons for Harris. Maybe the 2025 Chargers first round pick can relieve enough pressure off Harris and create a powerful 1-2 for this Chargers offense.
This leaves Vidal pigeon-holed into RB3. It could be worse for the former sixth-round pick, but his lack of ability in the pass protection game definitely left a lot to be desired for the Bolts.
Chargers 2025 NFL Draft: Needs That Still Need To Be Hit
Running back is no longer a need for this team. The question of whether it is truly a need in the first place is to be discussed, especially in the first round. For needs that were definitely in play for the first round, were defensive tackles, EDGE rushers, wide receivers, and tight ends.
The Chargers must draft these positions in the next few rounds if they want to create a well-rounded roster that can compete in the playoffs. Can Hortiz create another successful draft in days two and three like he did last year?
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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