The 2025 NFL Draft is anticipated to characteristic top-of-the-line operating again courses since 1990, when Emmitt Smith and 11 different future Professional Bowl backs had been chosen. This new group gives a little bit of every thing — Day 1 starters, developmental initiatives, scatbacks, energy backs, pass-catching specialists, and extra.
Ashton Jeanty is at present the consensus high again within the class, however Omarion Hampton has been climbing the ranks. The previous UNC standout is extensively projected to be a bellcow again on the subsequent stage. His endurance and skill to squeeze his large body by way of tight operating lanes have caught the eye of scouts.

Omarion Hampton In comparison with Former Professional Bowler in Latest Mock Draft
Maurice Jones-Drew, a former All-Professional, Professional Bowler, and the NFL’s 2011 speeding chief, just lately launched his solely mock draft of the season for NFL.com, the place he now serves as an analyst. He initiatives Hampton going twentieth general to the Denver Broncos.
“A giant, tackle-breaking rusher who’ll make most of his cash late within the season, Hampton offers the Broncos a Mark Ingram-type again that Sean Payton utilized to nice success throughout his time in New Orleans,” Jones-Drew wrote.
Whereas that comparability would possibly elevate some eyebrows, it is smart. Hampton is bodily and athletically gifted. Like Mark Ingram II — who received a Heisman at Alabama earlier than being drafted within the first spherical by the Saints — Hampton runs with aggression and physicality.
He’s desperate to get downhill and is understood for bouncing off defenders to increase performs. Hampton is extensively thought of a three-down again due to his means as a pass-catcher and his reliability in move safety.
Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft additionally has Hampton touchdown in Denver. Like Jones-Drew, Lewis believes Sean Payton might get essentially the most out of him — simply as he did with Alvin Kamara and Ingram in New Orleans.
“Omarion Hampton is certainly one of this class’s high ball carriers and could be thought of ‘RB1’ in virtually every other 12 months. A violent downhill runner, Hampton gives excellent measurement, energy, and energy. He’s an influence again firstly, however he gives glorious short-area quickness and explosiveness. Hampton has an enormous body and is densely constructed to face up to contact and ship punishment as a tempo-setting ball service.”
The Broncos’ offense shocked many in 2024 with rookie Bo Nix beneath middle. However the run sport was inconsistent, and the group struggled to generate the chunk performs wanted to maneuver the chains. Whereas Sean Payton was criticized at instances for abandoning the run, he’s lengthy been identified for using an efficient two-back system — and lots of followers would like to see that return.
Denver additionally misplaced Javonte Williams to the Dallas Cowboys in free company, leaving them in want of a brand new RB1. Hampton may very well be precisely the form of bodily presence the Broncos must reignite their floor sport in 2025.