Bolts From The Blue
Could the Chargers find their answer at the running back position in the first round with a player out of North Carolina?
It’s almost a taboo at this point to talk about taking a running back in the first round given the devaluation of the position over the last decade or so but given the last handful of drafts that trend has been bucked by some teams. With the likes of Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs running rampant across the league after being first round selections, the Los Angeles Chargers could try and follow suit by snagging North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton near the end of the first round.
While the Chargers will almost certainly be out of range for the draft’s top running back prospect in Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Hampton is one heck of a consolation prize. A tank of a runner that was ultra productive and explosive during his time in North Carolina, Hampton put up some truly ridiculous numbers with over 3,700 scrimmage yards and 33 touchdowns over the last two seasons as the Tar Heels’ primary weapon.
Jim Harbaugh has made it a point to invest in the ground game and really lacked an elite runner to help the team produce last season. While J.K. Dobbins was nice when healthy, Hampton would bring the power and explosiveness to take the rushing attack over the top with a consistently reliable threat in the backfield.
Would you be okay with taking a running back in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft?
