With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, the Los Angeles Chargers’ strategy for the early rounds is starting to take shape. The team has several roster needs to address, but it seems increasingly likely that they’ll prioritize offensive upgrades—especially to replenish the talent pool around quarterback Justin Herbert, who’s seen his supporting cast dwindle significantly over the past two seasons.
Luckily, the Chargers are well-equipped heading into the draft, armed with three picks inside the top 100. Most recent mock drafts predict that their first-round selection will focus on the offensive side of the ball. In particular, there’s growing momentum behind the idea of drafting a running back, with North Carolina standout, often being mocked to Los Angeles.
Not everyone is on board with that potential pick, though. Running backs are rarely viewed as smart first-round investments—especially in classes like this one, where depth at the position allows teams to wait until later rounds. The Chargers also recently signed former Steelers running back Najee Harris, making a first-round RB pick seem a bit redundant.
Still, if the goal is to maximize Herbert’s efficiency and production in 2025, the idea of selecting Omarion Hampton might be more practical than it seems at first glance. Interest in the UNC back is reportedly heating up, and the Denver Broncos have emerged as a potential landing spot, which could force the Chargers to act sooner rather than later.
Hampton’s draft stock has soared in recent weeks. Once viewed as a late-first or early-second round prospect, he’s now climbing into top-20 territory on most boards. With the Chargers holding the 22nd pick, there’s a real possibility they could miss out on him—especially if the Broncos, picking two spots earlier at No. 20, decide to pull the trigger.
Denver’s interest would make sense. After losing Javonte Williams to free agency, the Broncos are looking to rebuild their ground game. Hampton would be an immediate upgrade over their current options and would give second-year QB Bo Nix a more balanced and dangerous offense heading into the fall.
This potential scenario puts pressure on the Chargers to consider trading up if they truly value Hampton that highly. But is it a move worth making?
With Najee Harris already in place to fill the void left by Gus Edwards, some within the organization may not see running back as a critical need. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff could decide to wait and target other positions with the No. 22 pick, especially if they believe the offensive backfield is already improved.
Fans might favor that route, even if it means losing Hampton to a division rival. The Chargers still have several other impact players they could target at 22—on either side of the ball—who might offer similar value and production. In the end, whether they chase Hampton or not, the Chargers have a chance to meaningfully upgrade their roster if they play their cards right.
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