Omarion Hampton predicted to put up rare rookie rushing numbers for Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers used their first-round pick on North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton and he is a player that fans are excited about, with good reason. 

The Chargers used all 10 minutes of the clock for their pick and reports of a trade that almost happened came out after the draft, but it wasn't enough to sway Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh, who grabbed one of the top running backs in the draft. 

The Chargers made that move despite signing Najee Harris to a big free-agent deal in the offseason. Mike Clay of ESPN recently put together some stat projections for the coming season and not only does he expect Hampton to eat into the carries being given to Harris, he expects him to take the majority of the carries. 

Clay projects that Hampton will get 215 carries and rush for 961 yards on the year. By comparison, he sees Harris getting 130 carries and gaining 523 yards. He has Harris scoring five touchdowns on the ground as compared to nine for Hampton. 

Hampton could be the Chargers' No. 1 running back right out of the gate this season, but those 961 yards would be huge. In fact, only two rookies in franchise history have ever rushed for more. 

Chargers rookie rushing yards

Hampton would be placed in some good company there and he would be well on his way to becoming one of the top running backs in the league if these projections become true. 

MORE CHARGERS CONTENT

Chargers' reunion with former first-round pick predicted to be short-lived

Ranking Los Angeles Chargers most difficult games in 2025 season

Ranking the top Easter eggs in Los Angeles Chargers schedule release video

NFL Schedule 2025: Chargers will lead the league in one area for the second year in a row

Chargers connected to recently-released wide receiver with predicted signing