As the 2025 NFL Draft ends, Omarion Hampton is already soaking up the spotlight in the Chargers’ locker room. His 6-foot-tall presence is hard to miss. One veteran even joked, “I didn’t know if that was Photoshop or just a bad angle.” But while his towering stature grabs attention, the real question remains. Will his height put up impressive stats on the board? Listed as “No. 2” on the depth chart, Hampton’s ability to turn raw potential into stats will define his career. All eyes are on him now to prove that his size isn’t just for show and that Jim Harbaugh was correct to snap him up from the Heels.
During the May 5th episode of Up & Adams, Kay Adams and former All-Pro linebacker Shawne Merriman found themselves laughing over a photo of the Chargers’ first-round pick, Omarion Hampton. The picture, taken with head coach Jim Harbaugh, showed Hampton towering over the 6-foot-3 coach, leaving everyone in disbelief. Kay couldn’t help but ask, “What kind of Photoshop is this?” The photo perfectly highlighted just how physically imposing Hampton is, raising the question of how his towering frame will translate to the NFL field.
Shawne Merriman believes Chargers first round pick Omarion Hampton is on the same level as Ashton Jeanty. @heykayadams | @shawnemerriman pic.twitter.com/ynbJ8IhCyv
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 5, 2025
The ex-Chargers Veteran reflected on the new generation of NFL players and couldn’t help but laugh at how freakishly athletic these young players are becoming. “These dudes are getting outrageous,” he said, “they get bigger, stronger, and faster every year.” He shared a moment from the NFL Draft when he posed for a photo with rookie offensive tackle Joe Alt, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-8. “I felt like his step kid,” Merriman joked, highlighting just how physically dominant this new wave of talent is. It’s clear that the NFL is seeing an influx of rookies who are not just talented but also physically imposing, setting a new bar for what it takes to make an impact in the league.
The Los Angeles Chargers made a bold move by selecting one such rookie, Omarion Hampton, with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. The decision sent a clear message: the Chargers see Hampton as a difference-maker for their offense. Jim expects Hampton to step in quickly and carry a major load, with immediate impact on the horizon.
Merriman added fuel to the conversation by comparing Hampton to the Raiders’ young star running back, Ashton Jeanty. That’s no casual name-drop—Jeanty has already been called a “potential game-changer” by the official NFL website and is viewed as one of the most dynamic young backs in the league. But there is one key difference: Hampton is bigger. He’s taller, heavier, and just as explosive. That sets up a fascinating battle between two rising stars in the AFC. The physical tools are there. Now, fans get to decide whether Jim Harbaugh or Pete Carroll had the better pick.
Omarion Hampton: Jim Harbaugh’s potential ace
Jim Harbaugh didn’t hide how badly the Chargers wanted Omarion Hampton. In a recent chat with Rich Eisen, he revealed just how close they were to trading the pick. “We were pretty darn shocked that he was there. There were some teams calling, trying to trade up,” Harbaugh said. But when Hampton was still on the board, they didn’t blink. The offers didn’t matter. Harbaugh and his staff saw a rare chance to land a complete back—and they took it.
The name Omarion Hampton has stuck. The running back out of North Carolina had an explosive college career, especially during the 2024 season. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and was a two-time finalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. Hamptons also earned Second-Team All-American honors. His consistent gameplay definitely put him on the map with the Chargers. Hampton’s quick speed and agility were two of his most attractive features on the field. Scouts had noticed a very desirable flexibility in his moves, giving him leverage to free himself from tackles. No wonder he quickly established himself as one of the top backfield prospects in the country.
It did not come as a surprise to anybody that his rookie deal had many trailing zeros- $17.77 million to be exact. That included a signing bonus. Additionally, if he plays well, they can extend his contract to a 5th year. It is pretty clear that the Chargers are already thinking long term with him.
What makes Hampton so special, though? His run has explosive power but is not unbalanced. The new addition has already proved himself to be a reliable receiver while also catching passes even when they’re off-target thanks to his quick reflexes. Not surprisingly, the Chargers weren’t the only ones looking to make moves on him. Reportedly, he was also wanted by both the Bears and the Eagles. Jim is hoping not to repeat the 2024 season, which finished with a disappointing playoff exit in the wildcard game against the Houston Texans. Now the new addition has brought up morale in the locker room. And Hampton is also matching the energy. He said, “You can’t get better than L.A.”
Now, all eyes are on Omarion Hampton. The 22-year-old is looking for his first big break. Jim might have just unlocked the unforgettable version of the Chargers with Hampton joining Najee Harris in the mix.
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