2025 Rookie Profile: RB Omarion Hampton (Fantasy Football)

While Ashton Jeanty is considered the Belle of the Ball in the 2025 rookie class, UNC’s Omarion Hampton is a very, very strong prospect who would be the consensus RB1 in most other classes that don’t include Jeanty. An early declare with an insane production profile and projected Round 1 NFL Draft capital, dynasty players holding the 1.02 in single QB rookie drafts should not be disappointed for getting the “consolation prize” when it comes to the RB position. Let’s dive into Hampton’s collegiate production profile, his measurables and his film to get a sense of what he can do at the next level.

Editors Note: This article is part of our Rookie Profile series going on until the 2025 NFL Draft. For more on each rookie, check out Andy, Mike, and Jason’s exclusive rookie rankings and production profiles found only in the Dynasty Pass, part of the UDK+ for 2025.

College Production Profile

Hampton started his career at Carolina as a complementary back on a team that ranked among the leaders in pass attempts. In fact, the leading runner on that 2022 UNC squad as QB Drake Maye. In 2023, however, Hampton took over the backfield and didn’t look back. In ’23, Hampton ran for just over 1,500 yards as the Tar Heels’ bell cow, earning him a great Breakout Age of 20.5. This past season, Hampton really took control of the offense with Maye off to the NFL, accounting for over 2,000 scrimmage yards as the dude in Carolina’s offense.

For context on how strong Hampton’s production was in 2023 and 2024, here is the list of players in ACC history with 1,500+ rushing yards and 15+ TDs in back-to-back seasons:

• Lamar Jackson
• Dalvin Cook
• Travis Etienne
• Omarion Hampton

During that 2024 season, Hampton saw a really nice uptick in his role in the pass game, accounting for just over 13% of the team’s receiving yards and an elite 16% share of the team’s receptions. For context, in our Production Profile database, which looks at historical production from proven NFL fantasy stars, we’re looking for anything north of 11% reception share and 9% receiving yardage share. Analytically, Hampton looks incredibly strong thanks to his receiving production, early production and early declare status. Assuming he’ll add first round NFL Draft capital to that profile, there’s virtually zero holes to poke in Hampton as a prospect, at least on paper.

Measurables

Hampton checked in at the NFL Combine at 6’0″ and 221 pounds. That is prototypical RB1 size in the NFL, so Hampton definitely checks the box from a size standpoint. He’s proven he can carry the load in college, and his frame should give him the ability to see plenty of volume in the NFL, assuming coaches want to utilize him that way.

At that size, Hampton kind of quietly crushed the Combine…

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 38″
• Broad Jump: 10′, 10″

When adjusting for size, those numbers earned Hampton a RAS (Relative Athletic Score) of 9.78 out of 10. Hampton’s size-adjusted athletic testing profile isn’t just good; it’s great.

What’s On Tape

Games viewed: Minnesota, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Wake Forest, Boston College, Duke (2023), Clemson (2023)

1. Plenty of juice to create in the open field.

Hampton had a 43.9% Breakaway Rush Rate in 2024 with 45 runs of 10+ yards according to PFF. When you put on the tape, you understand why as Hampton displays plenty of speed and acceleration to get to the second and third level. When he gets into corners and safeties, he’s so difficult to bring down thanks to his tree trunk legs and strength. While these are technically not rush attempts, these two little shovel pass plays are fun highlights that show what he can do when he gets some space.

2. He’s more of a power and burst runner than a ‘make you miss’ type of back.

From a play style standpoint, Hampton doesn’t have a ton of ‘wow’ plays on tape with really fun jump cuts and spins, etc. However, he’s got a lot of burst and good body control to be able to take contact and keep moving forward. I don’t think he’s the most creative RB in the world, but once he sees the lane his burst and strength are really impressive. Among all FBS backs who logged 150+ carries last year, Hampton was sixth in the county in yards after contact per attempt (4.35). When you put on the tape, it definitely matches.

3. Hampton was frequently forced to create yards after contact due to being hit near the line of scrimmage.

At times when I watch Hampton, I find myself asking if its’ a vision issue or if it’s a blocking/scheme issue. Either way, there’s countless plays on tape where Hampton is met at the line of scrimmage. According to PFF, he only averaged 1.54 yards before contact per attempt. That number is one of the lowest marks in the class. At the time time, over 1,200 of his rushing yards this season came after contact, which is second in the class behind only Jeanty. It speaks volumes about his talent and ability to consistently move forward and pick up yards after he’s hit, but of course, we need to remember that the game gets more difficult in the NFL. If he’s frequently hit at the line of scrimmage at the next level, there’s potential for more negative plays. I do think that ability to pick up yards after contact bodes well for his ability to be successful at the goal line, which obviously for fantasy, we care about a lot.

Fantasy Outlook

Even though I do think there’s some minor (very minor) concerns on Hampton’s rushing style and vision at the line of scrimmage based on my film evaluation, I’m nitpicking to be completely honest. Hampton is an incredibly strong prospect who would probably be the 1.01 in just about every other rookie draft that doesn’t include Ashton Jeanty.

Based on GrindingTheMocks, which looks at various mock drafts around the NFL, Hampton’s expected draft position is 24.0. He looks like a strong bet to be taken on the first night of the NFL Draft, and when you add that datapoint to his profile, he looks like a fantastic target early in rookie drafts.

In terms of redraft and best ball formats, Hampton has a chance to finish as an RB1 right out of the gate. If he goes in Round 1, we can assume that team has a plan to get him heavily involved right away. Most mocks have the Broncos selecting Hampton, which would obviously be phenomenal for Hampton’s outlook, but other great landing spots include Chicago, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles. Any of those spots would give Hampton a big time ceiling right away.