Omarion Hampton could very well hear his name called on Thursday night as part of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The former UNC football star is one of the best playmakers in this draft class and is considered by many to be among the top two running backs available.
We've heard all the speculation and looked at all the different mock drafts that have been posted. While the jury seems to have mixed feelings about where Hampton will end up, we provide the potential spots (and teams) where Hampton's name could be called.
While determining these spots we also took into consideration two other factors:
For starters, Ashton Jeanty is likely to be the first running back off the board, so the list of suitors depends on where the Boise State star lands.
Additionally, we went by the current NFL Draft order and also looked at potential teams with early second round picks who might move up to grab Hampton.
Chicago likely looks to add an offensive lineman to protect quarterback Caleb Williams, but a few offensive lineman go off the board early, it would make a ton of sense to add a dynamic playmaker like Hampton to the mix.
While Dallas may be in the market to trade up to draft Jeanty, Hampton wouldn't be a bad consolation prize at pick No. 12.
Dallas has been searching for a true workhorse in their backfield for years (dating back to when Ezekiel Elliott started to not produce at the same level), as Hampton would be a guy who could be in a position to succeed right away with the Cowboys. With a proven quarterback in Dak Prescott, a more than capable offensive line, along with a star at wide receiver (Cee Dee Lamb), Hampton would add a dynamic to the offense that new head coach Brian Schottenheimer can get creative with.
Replacing one former Tar Heel running back with another? Doesn't sound like a bad plan at all!
Javonte Williams has departed this offseason, signing with the Dallas Cowboys. Adding a top-tier caliber running back is high on the Broncos' list of priorities, as Hampton falling to pick No. 20 would be a home run for a franchise looking to add a true RB1 next to second-year quarterback Bo Nix.
While it appears that the Pittsburgh Steelers could be heavily invested in trying to land a quarterback with their first round selection, their second-biggest need comes at the running back position.
If the Steelers can't get their guy at the quarterback spot (potentially Shedeur Sanders), Pittsburgh may look to address their need at quarterback later on in the draft. That gives them flexibility to add some talent at other positions, as the running back spot is among their biggest needs.
Hampton would help fill the void of Najee Harris and can provide a steady workhorse for whoever ends up playing the quarterback position for the Steelers this season.
Potential Trade Up Candidates
Let's just say that the Browns select Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Imagine if the Browns found a way to land Hunter AND Hampton?!
While Hunter will play both sides of the ball, an offensive unit with both players on the depth chart would instantly make the Browns offense a lot better. Cleveland might be willing to move up a few spots to make this happen.
Drake Maye and Omarion Hampton reuniting in the NFL?!
As a life-long fan of the New York Jets, this would simply add to my torture, but it would be really cool to see the former Tar Heels guide the New England Patriots offense for the foreseeable future.