This first-round running back prospect could heal the Chiefs NFL draft wounds

The Chiefs can find the ultimate difference make in their offense this draft.

NC State v North Carolina
NC State v North Carolina | Grant Halverson/GettyImages


The Kansas City Chiefs haven't had a true difference-maker at running back since the earliest seasons from Kareem Hunt. Even with Alex Smith at quarterback, it was obvious what an impact an above-average running back can have in the Chiefs offense.

Look at what players like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, James Cook and Josh Jacobs have done for some great quarterbacks and offenses this season. If the Chiefs want to get more explosive on offense, they need to invest in skill players.

Lots of people wince at the notion of drafting a running back in the first or even second round (thanks, Clyde). A few years ago, many of us in Chiefs Kingdom were panicking because the Chiefs were linked to Jahmyr Gibbs in the 1st round. Looking back on that and the player that Gibbs is now, it would've been a great pick.

Because of the restrictions the Chiefs have in the draft, it's difficult for them to land impactful skill players. Given the weaker draft class this year and the lack of WR depth in the class, this might be a good year for the Chiefs to draft a running back early—especially with Isiah Pacheco in the last year of his rookie deal and Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine scheduled to be free agents.

If the Chiefs are willing to invest early, Omarion Hampton could be the ideal early-round fit for the Chiefs.

NFL Draft profile: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Age: 22 (when drafted)

Height: 6-00 (unofficial)

Weight: 200 lbs. (unofficial)

Chiefs Player Comparison: 2017-2018 Kareem Hunt and Javonte Williams

Background

Hampton was a three-sport athlete (football, basketball, and track) at Cleveland High School in Clayton, North Carolina. A four-star recruit, he was named two-time All-State while earning the title of Gatorade’s North Carolina Player of the Year, Charlotte Observer’s Mr. Football, and more. Hampton received offers from several programs such as Florida, Auburn, Tennessee, Ohio State, and Michigan but decided to stay in his home state and committed to North Carolina.

Hampton saw action in all 13 games his freshman year and started 4 of them. He dominated early and led the ACC in carries, yards, and rushing touchdowns as a sophomore. He also was an element in the passing game with future first-round pick Drake Maye (222 yards receiving). He capped off his junior year by once again leading the ACC in yards and attempts while adding 15 more touchdowns and a career-high 373 yards receiving.

Why he fits for the Chiefs

Contact Balance: Hampton is thickly built and can power through arm tackles. It seems like defenders never get a clean shot on him. He rarely goes down on first contact and always seems to fall forward for the extra yard or two. He can contort his body and runs with a low enough pad level that tacklers will feel his presence in the run game. His 1,222 yards after contact ranks second in all of FCS behind only Ashton Jeanty.

Burst: Hampton brings a rare blend of speed and power. His top-end speed isn't elite but he possesses another gear in space. This is especially evident in the passing and screen games. When he hits the open field he can pull away from defenders. This pairs nicely with his one-cut running style; he's able to get north and south quickly and power through a gap.

Scheme: Hampton ranks in the top 10 of outside zone carries in FBS, a staple of the Andy Reid offense. Since the arrival of Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs have struggled on zone runs. This works since they have a strong interior offensive line to run more gap, duo, and power run schemes. Hampton is quick enough to find the seam outside the numbers and to hit the crease. He also is a nice fit in the screen and passing game—an area he's performed well in—and provides quality pass protection.

Concerns

Lateral agility: If Hampton can't run past you or through you, there's a good chance he can be tackled. He doesn't have a ton of "wiggle" to his game which could make him vulnerable at the line of scrimmage if a play is blown up.

Route running: Though Hampton has production in the passing game, it's mostly screens and passes in the flat. There's not much tape of him winning down the field as a route runner or at the catch point.

Top-end speed: Hampton has the burst to hit the open gap but might not have the home run speed to be able to take it to the house. This could limit his explosiveness for scouts.

Analysis

With Andy Reid's history of churning out so many good backs over the years, a strong offensive line, and an elite quarterback the Chiefs have the infrastructure to take a back like Omarian Hampton who will likely be taken late on day 1 or day 2. There might even be a scenario where Hampton is the best player on the Chiefs' board.

Hampton is our top running back for the Chiefs going into the 2025 NFL Draft. While Ashton Jeanty is incredible in his own right, he likely won't be around for the Chiefs to draft. There are some concerns for us about his burst and frame at the next level, but Hampton could be a great fit for the Chiefs offense alongside Pacheco in the backfield.

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