How Chargers rookie RB Omarion Hampton's fantasy value changes after Najee Harris fireworks injury

Omarion Hampton could turn into a star in the NFL one day.

That day could come sooner than expected for the Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back out of North Carolina. Fantasy football drafters are certainly paying close attention after Najee Harris injured his eye in a fireworks accident on July 4.

Harris signed from the Steelers this offseason and was expected to be the lead back for L.A., with the talented rookie Hampton getting some action, too. Frankly, it looked like a two-headed backfield that would be tough to pick between on draft day.

Now, though, Hampton has a leg up.

The Chargers have already begun training camp, and Harris was put on the non-football injury list on Thursday.

Hampton should get all the RB1 reps in the meantime.

As of Thursday morning, Hampton is going off the board as the No. 18 RB according to FantasyPros' ADP data, behind the likes of Kenneth Walker and Chuba Hubbard directly in front of him. With the uncertainty, Harris has fallen to RB35.

MORE: Bills QB Josh Allen named 'Director of Billustration' in special work with children's hospital

Hampton, in the long term, should be a top-10 RB, especially if he gets to stay in a Jim Harbaugh offense behind a stout offensive line.

Could that happen this year? It's a real possibility.

Harris has fallen off slightly since his first year or two in Pittsburgh. His explosive plays don't really exist anymore. He's a ground-and-pound back who is still effective but isn't particularly exciting for fantasy.

The uber-talented Hampton would've had a chance to unseat Harris for the top spot on the depth chart by the end of this season anyway.

Now?

Hampton might get more carries in Week 1 and never give the job back.

There's no reason to not take Hampton at least in front of Seattle's Walker, who is in a two-back mess of his own.

Hampton's overall ADP is 46. In the fourth or fifth round, he's worth the shot as your second running back.

Ironically, you can pair him with the RB32 in ADP, Jaylen Warren of Pittsburgh, who somehow isn't being taken higher despite looking at a much bigger role with Harris gone.

Hampton is the real deal, and now he's got a real opportunity.

MORE NFL NEWS:

• Von Miller makes his free agency decision
• Browns' defender retires the day before turning 27
• The locker room reason Trey Hendrickson's contract saga could go sideways
• Browns rookie QB criticized for only having 'a firm handshake and intangibles'
• Justin Fields given a career ultimatum before Jets debut
• Johnny Manziel reveals a big college regret