The Broncos met with UNC running back Omarion Hampton at the Combine.
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton is likely the next running back off the board behind Ashton Jeanty and could be in play for the Broncos with their 20th overall selection. He is a powerful and productive running back who could be a plug-and-play starter for whoever drafts him. He told reporters earlier today that he had a formal interview with the Broncos at the Combine and I believe, he is a legitimate option for them in the first round.
Omarion Hampton said he met with the Broncos here
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) February 28, 2025
Hampton is a 6’0, 220 pound running back who has the traits to be a three-down back in the NFL. He has the desired build, frame, and running style you look for in a back while also having the ability to be a receiver out of the backfield.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares him to Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson and calls him a high-volume battering ram with a three-ingredient recipe of size, strength and aggression.
High-volume battering ram with a three-ingredient recipe of size, strength and aggression. Hampton is a linear runner lacking creativity and wiggle, but once the gas is engaged, he runs like a downhill truck whose brake lines have been cut. He has the base, balance and power to batter tacklers and reignite runs after contact but he fails to recognize alternative run lanes that offer easier paths and more yardage. He needs to work on his pass protection but can create positive plays on swing passes and screens. Hampton is a tone-setting future starter who can handle a heavy workload, but he absorbs rare levels of heavy contact that could create durability or longevity issues if he doesn’t learn to pick and choose his battles.
Hampton would be a plug and play starter for the Broncos from the start. He would give them something they haven’t had in years and finally give quarterback Bo Nix a running game he can lean on. While he doesn’t project as a ‘Joker’, Hampton can be used in the passing game while also being a physical between the tackles type of runner.
The Broncos are going to draft a running back and I believe Hampton is very much in play for them at 20th overall. The reality is that Ashton Jeanty is unlikely to make it to the Broncos pick so the next best back available will likely be Hampton who fills a big need for their offense. If they do draft Hampton, I expect them to draft another more explosive receiving back later in the draft to totally revamp their running back room.
What do you think Broncos Country? Do you believe the Broncos should select UNC running back Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft?