The Chargers could have a pressing need at running back if J.K. Dobbins, who is a pending free agent, is not back next season.
Should this come to fruition, Los Angeles could resort to the draft early to get his replacement.
That’s what Pro Football Focus’ Jordan Plocher sees them doing.
In Plocher’s latest mock draft, the Bolts select North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick.
J.K. Dobbins performed admirably in 2024, but he’s never played a full season in his five-year NFL career. Hampton would give head coach Jim Harbaugh a powerful runner to build his offense around. The North Carolina product breaks tackles regularly and averaged 4.35 yards after contact per attempt in 2024.
Hampton is a prototypical Harbaugh running back with the hard-running style between the tackles. He has the skillset and physical traits to be the team’s workhorse back from the jump.
Hampton finished second in the country in rushing behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty with 1,660 yards and 15 touchdown runs this past season.
Jeanty will likely be off the board when the Chargers are on the clock, but Hampton would be a solid consolation prize if they were to go running back in Round 1.