The next installment of our series on the Steelers' first-round options in the NFL Draft, April 24:
Throughout the pre-draft visit process, the Steelers have met with more running backs than any other position. It's one of the strongest positions in this year's class, and it just so happens to align with a team need. But, only one visit so far is a potential option in the first round.
This series will be based not only on need, but also on the team's level of interest in each player. Omarion Hampton is a tantalizing running back, and shouldn't deter fans if he's taken in the first round just because of the experience with Najee Harris.
OMARION HAMPTON
• Position: Running back • College: North Carolina (2022-24) • Class: Junior • Height: 6-0 • Weight: 221 • 40-yard dash: 4.46 • RAS score: 9.70 • PFF Big Board: No. 24 overall, No. 2 RB • Combine meeting: Yes (informal) • Pro day visit: No • Pre-draft visit: Yes
NFL comparison: Rashard Mendenhall
OVERVIEW
After playing in 13 games and four starts as a freshman, Hampton took off as a two-year starter for the Tar Heels. For two straight seasons, Hampton has been named second-team AP All-American, first-team All-ACC and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, the nation's top running back.
As a sophomore, Hampton rushed 253 times for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the ACC across the board. Last season, he rushed 281 times for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns, but also added 38 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 2,033 yards from scrimmage. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry in each of the past two seasons, matching production and efficiency.
Hampton has the rare blend of being a power back with breakaway speed. And once he puts his foot in the ground and goes, good luck to any defender that tries to stop him. He uses his size and speed to his advantage, creating extra yards through contact and forcing missed tackles. He's a home run waiting to happen when running mid-zone concepts because it often gives him the green light to hit the hole hard and with momentum.
However, Hampton still needs to grow in a few areas to realize his full potential. They are mostly correctable, and the Steelers have a good running back coach in Eddie Faulkner. Hampton needs to improve his vision, as he misses too many alternative running lanes. That's where hitting the hole hard can hurt him -- if the designed run gets clogged up. Specifically, inside zone and duo concepts require a bit of patience and vision to read the off-ball linebackers, and Hampton needs to find more patience in his game to read and react.
Even so, the good far outweigh the bad with Hampton. In addition to what he can do as a power back with speed, he's also an accomplished pass catcher out of the backfield. He regressed a bit in pass protection last season, but he has enough body of work and the frame to become much better at it as he matures.
Hampton would be a perfect complement to Jaylen Warren right away as a power option, but could eventually grow in to the team's lead back should Warren ever move on. One thing you won't ever have to worry about with Hampton is not hitting the hole hard.
The potential is very enticing, given the breakaway speed Hampton possesses for a runner of his size. Should he learn the art of running the ball a bit more, we're talking about a true feature back that plays at a true Pro Bowl level.
HIGHLIGHTS
PFF GRADES/STATS
• Overall grade: 88.4 (21st of 444 RB) • Rushing grade: 90.5 • Zone grade: 88.6 • Gap grade: 78.9 • Elusive rating: 128.1 • Yards after contact per attempt: 4.35
STRENGTHS
• Exceptional speed for a running back of his size.
• Downhill runner with great burst that oddly excels in zone concepts more often than gap concepts, particularly in mid zone.
• Always finishes runs by seeking as many yards as possible through contact, and possesses great balance through that contact.
• Noticeable change-of-direction traits for a runner of his size, including an eye-popping lateral jump cut.
• Reliable pass catcher out of the backfield, through both natural ability and experience.
• More than willing in pass protection. Looks to pancake people.
• Matched production and efficiency throughout two seasons as a full-time starter in the ACC.
WEAKNESSES
• Can be too impatient, particularly in inside zone and duo concepts, which require patience and vision.
• Overall vision needs improvement. Misses too many alternative lanes that can produce more yards.
• Needs to find different ways to beat defenders rather than seeking contact. Could eventually become a durability concern if not corrected.
• Technique in pass protection needs significant refinement and coaching.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
1:30 pm - 04.10.2025DowntownDraft profile: Omarion Hampton
The next installment of our series on the Steelers' first-round options in the NFL Draft, April 24:
Throughout the pre-draft visit process, the Steelers have met with more running backs than any other position. It's one of the strongest positions in this year's class, and it just so happens to align with a team need. But, only one visit so far is a potential option in the first round.
This series will be based not only on need, but also on the team's level of interest in each player. Omarion Hampton is a tantalizing running back, and shouldn't deter fans if he's taken in the first round just because of the experience with Najee Harris.
OMARION HAMPTON
• Position: Running back
• College: North Carolina (2022-24)
• Class: Junior
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 221
• 40-yard dash: 4.46
• RAS score: 9.70
• PFF Big Board: No. 24 overall, No. 2 RB
• Combine meeting: Yes (informal)
• Pro day visit: No
• Pre-draft visit: Yes
NFL comparison: Rashard Mendenhall
OVERVIEW
After playing in 13 games and four starts as a freshman, Hampton took off as a two-year starter for the Tar Heels. For two straight seasons, Hampton has been named second-team AP All-American, first-team All-ACC and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, the nation's top running back.
As a sophomore, Hampton rushed 253 times for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the ACC across the board. Last season, he rushed 281 times for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns, but also added 38 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 2,033 yards from scrimmage. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry in each of the past two seasons, matching production and efficiency.
Hampton has the rare blend of being a power back with breakaway speed. And once he puts his foot in the ground and goes, good luck to any defender that tries to stop him. He uses his size and speed to his advantage, creating extra yards through contact and forcing missed tackles. He's a home run waiting to happen when running mid-zone concepts because it often gives him the green light to hit the hole hard and with momentum.
However, Hampton still needs to grow in a few areas to realize his full potential. They are mostly correctable, and the Steelers have a good running back coach in Eddie Faulkner. Hampton needs to improve his vision, as he misses too many alternative running lanes. That's where hitting the hole hard can hurt him -- if the designed run gets clogged up. Specifically, inside zone and duo concepts require a bit of patience and vision to read the off-ball linebackers, and Hampton needs to find more patience in his game to read and react.
Even so, the good far outweigh the bad with Hampton. In addition to what he can do as a power back with speed, he's also an accomplished pass catcher out of the backfield. He regressed a bit in pass protection last season, but he has enough body of work and the frame to become much better at it as he matures.
Hampton would be a perfect complement to Jaylen Warren right away as a power option, but could eventually grow in to the team's lead back should Warren ever move on. One thing you won't ever have to worry about with Hampton is not hitting the hole hard.
The potential is very enticing, given the breakaway speed Hampton possesses for a runner of his size. Should he learn the art of running the ball a bit more, we're talking about a true feature back that plays at a true Pro Bowl level.
HIGHLIGHTS
PFF GRADES/STATS
• Overall grade: 88.4 (21st of 444 RB)
• Rushing grade: 90.5
• Zone grade: 88.6
• Gap grade: 78.9
• Elusive rating: 128.1
• Yards after contact per attempt: 4.35
STRENGTHS
• Exceptional speed for a running back of his size.
• Downhill runner with great burst that oddly excels in zone concepts more often than gap concepts, particularly in mid zone.
• Always finishes runs by seeking as many yards as possible through contact, and possesses great balance through that contact.
• Noticeable change-of-direction traits for a runner of his size, including an eye-popping lateral jump cut.
• Reliable pass catcher out of the backfield, through both natural ability and experience.
• More than willing in pass protection. Looks to pancake people.
• Matched production and efficiency throughout two seasons as a full-time starter in the ACC.
WEAKNESSES
• Can be too impatient, particularly in inside zone and duo concepts, which require patience and vision.
• Overall vision needs improvement. Misses too many alternative lanes that can produce more yards.
• Needs to find different ways to beat defenders rather than seeking contact. Could eventually become a durability concern if not corrected.
• Technique in pass protection needs significant refinement and coaching.
Other draft profiles:
• Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
• Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
• Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
• Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
• Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
• Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
• Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
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