Isiah Pacheco and undrafted rookie Carson Steele are the only running backs among the five on Kansas City’s active roster or injured reserve list under contract for next season. The Chiefs must add depth through the 2025 NFL draft to replace their losses and protect themselves against future injuries.
North Carolina Tarheels running back Omarion Hampton is a dense rusher with a muscular build. He packs the power to shed tackle attempts in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage and turn negative plays into nice gains. Hampton drops his pad level in the hole to meet would-be tacklers and dish out punishment.
Hampton’s contact balance and powerful leg drive help him produce yards after contact. He moves the pile in short-yardage situations and drags linebackers or defensive backs for extra yardage. He needs to improve his stiff arm to maximize his power profile.
Hampton lacks elite speed and elusiveness in space, but he makes some surprising jump cuts for a player his size. His speed is good enough to create chunk plays and shouldn’t scare teams away from selecting him in the third round.
Hampton offers some third-down value. He’s a superb pass protector and has the size to stonewall blitzers and some edge rushers. He doesn’t run a larger route tree but makes nice catches outside of his frame.
North Carolina goes on the road to face Virginia at 11 a.m. CST on October 26. The Tar Heels lost their last three games to ACC opponents. Virginia is 1-2 in their last three in-conference games.
