Omarion Hampton NFL Draft Profile: Powerful, productive, and primed to be the NFL's next star running back

The 2025 NFL Draft class features a deep group of running backs who could emerge as difference-makers in the NFL, but only two can be confident of hearing their names called in the first round.

North Carolina's Omarion Hampton has played second fiddle to Boise State's Ashton Jeanty in the pre-draft hype. Nevertheless, the two-time second-team AP All-American will undoubtedly receive the draft capital to suggest he'll earn the opportunity to make a similar-sized impact.

DAZN News evaluates what Hampton offers as an NFL prospect.

Overview

Evaluations of Hampton almost always begin by referring to his size because, at 6'0" and 221 lbs, the 22-year-old is one of the larger backs in the 2025 draft class.

He brings his physical tools to bear in his running style, demonstrating an aggressive demeanour that often leaves would-be tacklers trailing in his wake.

While questions about Hampton's agility and lateral quickness are valid, his shortcomings do not detract from what is otherwise a dynamic skill set. Hampton may not be elusive, but he has succeeded in other ways thanks to his combination of power, balance, and footwork.

Hampton managed back-to-back seasons with over 1500 yards and 15 touchdowns, often carrying the Tar Heels' offense while playing behind a questionable offensive line.

And, while Hampton still has room to develop as a pass catcher, he demonstrated soft hands and the ability to convert short and intermediate targets into long gains.

NFL Outlook

Hampton possesses the dynamic skill set and has both the size and durability to immediately become a workhorse capable of carrying the ball 15 times or more per game. Health permitting, achieving 1000 rushing yards in his rookie year is well within his reach.

Whether he contributes significantly as a pass catcher will depend on the existing talent on his team's roster, but it's hard to imagine many would be a better option than Hampton. He may start by splitting reps on obvious passing downs at first, but with continued development, he should claim the role outright before long.

2025 NFL Draft Projection

Hampton is projected to be taken in the mid-to-lower half of the first round, and several teams in that range possess capable run-blocking offensive lines and potentially explosive offenses.

The Denver Broncos are a popular destination for Hampton in mock drafts. They would represent an excellent landing spot where he could maximise his talents in an ascending offense led by quarterback Bo Nix and offensive guru head coach Sean Payton.

With such a wide gap between Hampton - widely considered the second-best running back in the draft- and the third-ranked player, it's possible that he may be involved in a trade where a team moves up to acquire his services.

Watch the NFL draft live and for free on DAZN

The 2025 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24 at  8pm  on the East Coast /  1am  Friday in the UK.

This year's NFL Draft will be available to watch for free on NFL Game Pass on DAZN (excluding the US and China).

For more information and to watch for free,  click here .

NFL Draft schedule

• Round 1 : Thursday, April 24 (8pm ET / 1am BST)
• Rounds 2 and 3 : Friday, April 25 (6pm ET / 11pm BST)
• Rounds 4-7 : Saturday, April 26 (12pm ET / 5pm BST)