Steelers scouting report: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
The debate over whether Najee Harris would be with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 was answered when he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency earlier this month.
The void left by Harris is substantial, and the Steelers will undoubtedly need to fill it with more than just Jaylen Warren, who Pittsburgh tendered on March 10, and former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell signed in free agency.
An option for Pittsburgh could be North Carolina's Omarion Hampton, expected to be the second running back off the board and a fringe first/second-round pick. He's yet to have a pre-draft meeting with the team, but his pro day is tomorrow, March 24.
Here is what you need to know about the Tar Heels star:
Name: Omarion HamptonCollege: North CarolinaHeight: 6-0Weight: 221Class: Junior40 time: 4.46
Stats:
Hampton had a breakout season in 2023 with the Tar Heels, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the top backs in college football. He consistently gained tough yardage and hit the end zone, averaging over 5.9 yards per carry. His production reflected his physical tools and his growth in vision and patience as a runner.
Hampton spent three years at North Carolina, putting up 3,565 rushing yards (93.8 per game) and 36 touchdowns on 622 attempts for an average of 5.7 yards per attempt. He also caught 73 passes for 635 yards (8.7 yards per reception) and four touchdowns.
Strengths:
Hampton enters the NFL with a strong, dense, and well-proportioned frame built for the pro level’s physical demands. He runs with authority and finishes his carries with a downhill, behind-the-pads mentality that wears down defenses. His vision and patience allow him to navigate traffic effectively, making smart reads at the line. A natural fit in gap-scheme systems, Hampton also displays surprisingly light footwork when pressing the hole, giving him the tools to be a reliable and productive back from day one.
Weaknesses:
While Hampton brings power and consistency to the run game, he does have a few areas to improve. He lacks open-field elusiveness and doesn’t consistently make defenders miss in tight or confined spaces. His lateral quickness is limited, and he can struggle with explosiveness when forced to cut outside. Additionally, while he's shown willingness in pass protection, his technique and hand placement still need refinement to handle NFL-level pressure effectively.
Fits with Steelers:
Hampton fits the identity of what many people feel a Steelers running back should be. Fans who crave a return to the ground-and-pound Jerome Bettis days would love his physicality and truck-like running style. Unfortunately, Hampton's style isn't all that different from Harris', and he didn't succeed behind the Steelers' offensive line.
Omarion Hampton:
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 13, 2025
#2 best RB *in the last DECADE* in YPC on runs when hit behind the line
#2 in highest percentage of team's entire touches (44%)
#2 in highest % of team's entire receptions (17%)
96th percentile in explosion score in jumping drills
profile of a true workhorse… pic.twitter.com/JgfZvmtGBZ
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Omarion Hampton could be Steelers' answer at RB in 2025 NFL draft
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