When it comes to the NFL Draft, a player's future success essentially determined by the team that selects them.
Some teams tend to develop talent well while others (we won't name any to avoid throwing shade!) don't have the same ability to get the most out of the players they select in the draft.
With the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected former UNC football star Omarion Hampton, a pairing that feels like the absolute perfect fit.
.@chargers @OmarionHampton is a BOLT. AN XXXplosive workhorse RB. Perfect fit for a HARBS Team. #bolts #nfldraft #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/bzoOzaBC3G
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 25, 2025
Chargers fans seemed to be mad at the pick, hoping that the franchise would provide Justin Herbert with a stud wide receiver. However, they gave their franchise quarterback a tremendous asset to wok with, as Hampton will provide a much-needed steady presence in the backfield for years to come.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh takes pride in running the football. That fact has been well-known for quite some time. Now, he has a workhorse running back to rely on, as Hampton, along with recently signed Najee Harris, have the potential to be a lethal duo in the running game.
Omarion Hampton scored a 9.70 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 64 out of 2106 RB from 1987 to 2025.
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) April 25, 2025
He has all of the tools and traits to succeed at the NFL level. The Chargers recent woeful RB days should be over. pic.twitter.com/TwOQmo03G1
Some franchises typically prefer waiting until later rounds to select a running back. Others are willing to take the risk, especially if there is a top-tier talent available to them when their pick comes along.
Given there was some talk that Hampton could be selected anywhere from 12-20, the former Tar Heel falling to the Chargers, especially after Pittsburgh and Denver (both running back needy teams), passed on him, makes this pick seem like an absolute steal for the Bolts.
New Chargers RB Omarion Hampton is HIM!
— ًBoltUpYo (@BoltUpYo) April 25, 2025
97th percentile in Yards After Contact per Attempt (4.3!) —he refuses to go down
➖ Age: 21
➖ Size: 6’0”, 220 lbs
Last 2 seasons:
➖ 24 touches a game
➖ 150.4 yards per game
➖ 1.32 TDs per game
Certified WORKHORSE. Let’s eat. #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/CriiqB1YAF
Of course, some fans wouldn't be happy regardless of the pick. While some will still speculate whether it was the right move to select Omarion Hampton, just wait until you see this guy in action on Sundays this fall.
You'll absolutely LOVE having him on your team once you see him go to work.