Dawgs By Nature
Analyzing UNC RB Omarion Hampton as a potential draft pick for Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns need to add depth and playmaking ability to the running back room in 2025, and this year’s NFL Draft class is loaded with options in every round for Andrew Berry and Co. to choose from.
The Browns are currently set to lose four ball-carriers in free agency next month, including Nick Chubb unless something gets worked out by then. In order for Cleveland’s offense to be at full strength, they need to have an effective run game to both make things easier for and to work off of the passing game.
UNC RB Omarion Hampton is a player who could be on the Browns’ radar heading into draft weekend due to his power, scheme versatility, and overall footwork.
Name
Omarion Hampton
Position
Running Back
Height/Weight
6’0”, 220 lbs. (Unofficial)
College
University of North Carolina
2024 Stats: 12 games: 1660 rushing yards, 5.9 ypc., 15 TDs, 38 recs., 373 rec. yards, 2 TDs
Career: 38 games: 3565 rushing yards, 5.7 ypc., 36 TDs, 73 recs., 635 rec. yards, 4 TDs
Relative Athletic Score
N/A. Will update once athletic testing is performed.
Average “Big Board” Position As of Publishing Date from Mock Draft Database
The Draft Network’s Grade/Round Value
Day 1 - Pro Bowl Caliber
What an Expert is Saying
“Hampton has run scheme versatility, but I would love to see him given the opportunity to play in a duo inside zone-heavy run scheme.
Hampton is at his best when carrying momentum through the LOS with square pads and without the need to make dynamic lateral cuts. The downhill schemes would afford him that the most, and he can be considered a potential quality starter.” - Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team
Fit with the Browns
Omarion Hampton is a perfect schematic fit for Cleveland. He’s a bruising back who has shown the ability to be effective in multiple schemes throughout his time at North Carolina and that should easily translate over to the pros.
This is notable in terms of his outlook with the Browns because Kevin Stefanski likes to use a mix of inside/outside zone variations along with gap and duo schemes. He has the ability to be the team’s next workhorse depending on what happens with Nick Chubb.
Browns Player Drafting Could Impact
Drafting Hampton would mean that Cleveland would have a new “head honcho” in the running back room beginning in 2025. Though Nick Chubb could still be brought back on a team-friendly deal, Hampton undoubtedly has RB1 ability for an NFL team.
If Chubb is back in 2025, it’s logical to assume that Chubb and Hampton would form a 1A/1B type of committee in the backfield.
Priority
Medium to High.
What are your thoughts on Omarion Hampton? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.
