Fans of the UNC football program know just how good Omarion Hampton is. Fans of opposing teams have been tormented by him essentially for the last two seasons, as he developed into one of the country's best running backs.
However, as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, there hasn't been much buzz around the Tar Heels star.
Why is that? NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay would like to know as well.
Told you so, @McShay13 ! #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/EN2mTxJpBZ
— Steve Muench (@yougoodmuench) February 14, 2025
On a recent episode of the Todd McShay Show, the long-time draft analyst spoke very highly about Omarion Hampton, calling him the clear-cut second-best running back behind Boise State's Ashton Jeanty. Here's what McShay had to say about Hampton:
"Omarion Hampton is absolutely, without question, undoubtedly, undoubtedly, the second-best running back in this draft class behind Ashton Jeanty. There probably should be a little bit more of a discussion about he's not that far off (from Jeanty).
Omarion Hampton is an absolute freak. I think Omarion Hampton is special. When I start stacking the tape, he does it all. And what's interesting here: the conversations have been about some of these other backs, the Skattebo's, the Harvey's, the Martinez's. Those are the conversations I'm having with scouts. But Hampton is kind of like flying under the radar a bit and I don't know why.
A lot of times, when guys are flying under the radar and no one's talking about it, it's because they don't want a lot of attention on them. But when you're talking about guys who will transcend, who will just work, who will be the workhorse: I think Jeanty and Hampton are clearly the most complete backs in this class."
What McShay says makes a lot of sense: teams (and scouts) could be shying away from talking about Hampton to avoid the hype around him rising. Already seen as a borderline Day 1 pick, the thought for some NFL organizations could be to downplay their interest in Hampton publically, hoping he slides into the early part of round two.
Jeanty will likely be the first running back off the board, but don't be surprised if Hampton hears his name called shortly after.
While it's seems as if he's flying under the radar, NFL teams know just how good Omarion Hampton is at the sport of football. He's a game-changing player who has the skillset and physical traits to be a workhorse running back right away at the NFL level.
Whoever selects Hampton in this year's draft is going to reap the benefits right away, as he is poised to make an immediate impact for his new team. That offense is going to be in a much better position once they are able to utilize Hampton out of the backfield.