Chargers' Najee Harris signing complicated by RB Omarion Hampton draft pick

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The Los Angeles Chargers left their fans a little confused on Thursday night.

With the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chargers picked Omarion Hampton, a running back out of North Carolina.

He joins a backfield that just added Najee Harris as a key free agent signing from the Steelers.

Of course, it's not unusual for a modern NFL running back's workload to be split between two players.

Harris is also much older than Hampton, who immediately becomes the RB of the future.

It just felt like the Chargers maybe could have pursued help at a different position rather than doubling down at a non-premium spot.

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Clearly, Jim Harbaugh thought highly of Hampton.

There's good reason to feel that way.

Hampton led the ACC in rushing in each of the past two seasons.

He went for 1,504 yards and 15 TDs in 2023, then 1,660 yards and 15 TDs in 2024. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry both seasons.

Hampton became the second running back off the board, after the Raiders got Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 overall.

This wasn't always the clear RB2 choice, but in recent weeks, Hampton seemed to distance himself from the rest of the pack.

That's how it played out on Thursday. The Chargers may have reached, or not filled a huge need.

But they got one of the most talented players on the board, and that'll have to be good enough.

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