The Dallas Cowboys are one of many teams who are thrilled with the quality and depth in the 2025 NFL Draft at running back. Multiple high-end future starters, including North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, could be available on Day 2.
Hampton has made a name for himself as both one of Drake Maye's most accomplished Tar Heel running mates and a hard-nosed back who plays with reckless abandon. His style of play will get GMs interested in the former top recruit.
Those who want to bring Hampton into the fold should get to know him as a prospect. While he may not be in the same tier of prospect as Ashton Jeanty, Hampton is more than a good consolation prize.
North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
Height: 6-0
Weight: 220
Recruiting: 2022 4-star, No. 153 nationally, No. 11 RB, No. 5 NC
Positives
- Old-school power back who requires more than one defensive back to bring him down when he gets momentum, runs hard and looks to bowl over tacklers
- Plays with good pad level and vision, able to grind out tough yards between the tackles and find open lanes when breaking toward the sideline
- Strong pass-blocker who is willing to pick up blitzing linebackers, got better as the year went on
- Ultra consistent, back-to-back 1,500-yard seasons, reached 100 yards in every game with at least 12 carries
Those who like to watch violent football games will be a fan of Hampton, as he is a master of breaking tackles, absorbing contact, and finding paydirt in the red zone. Hampton has played in two very different offensive schemes with the Tar Heels, and he's produced big numbers in both of them.
Hampton's vision may be his best trait, as he is very rarely driven down in the backfield for a loss. With some impressive acceleration for a back as big as he is and the requisite effort one wants to see as a pass blocker, Hampton boasts many of the same traits other Pro Bowl backs have.
Negatives
- Good initial burst let down by average long speed, which casts doubt on his ability to be a big play threat at the next level
- Struggles to show great lateral quickness/elusiveness at the next level, always looking to run through tacklers rather than around or by them
- Not a very electric receiver, runs a very basic route tree and caught many dump-off passes in the flat
Hampton is not going to win many 100-meter dashes, as his long speed is average when compared to the best NFL backs. This could be so much of a problem that it limits his potential as a bellcow running back. In the open field, his lack of elusiveness may be his biggest flaw as a player.
Hampton has room to grow as a receiver, as North Carolina didn't hand him a very complex set of instructions in this area. Still, those who want to select him might be willing to work with him in this area while leaning on his power.
Omarion Hampton NFL Player Comparison: 2020-21 Ezekiel Elliott
Elliott, in these years, was far from a star, but he was an effective blocker and power runner who could be a trusted primary back who could keep the chains moving. Even if Hampton never puts his speed questions to bed, the power is there.
Omarion Hampton 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Mid 2nd Round
Hampton has a very compelling case for the title of No. 2 running back in this class behind Jeanty. He could be a fringe first-round player if his speed improves.