Jim Harbaugh made his identity clear in his first year as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers: a hard-nosed, physical team built around a punishing ground game. But in 2024, the roster didn’t quite match that vision. Injuries and inconsistency held the rushing attack back—most notably at running back, where J.K. Dobbins flashed early but once again was derailed by injury. After missing time with an MCL sprain, Dobbins ended the season on injured reserve and entered free agency with durability concerns.
The Chargers responded decisively. General manager Joe Hortiz, in lockstep with Harbaugh, revamped the backfield by signing veteran Najee Harris and drafting Omarion Hampton in the first round. As Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report noted, “Harris alone is an upgrade, even if it’s viewed as marginal. The Chargers didn’t stop there, though. The organization doubled down at running back with the first-round selection of Omarion Hampton, who has the physical tools to be a star within the offense.”
Chargers Won’t Hide Their Offensive Identity
The plan is clear: Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman are fully committed to a run-heavy offense that can wear down opponents. Roman’s reputation was built on the strength of ground-and-pound units in San Francisco and Baltimore. The Chargers followed that blueprint in 2024, favoring heavy personnel and gap schemes. They ran out of 21 personnel on 17% of snaps (4th-most in the NFL) and 22 personnel on 13% (2nd-most). Despite the commitment, the results were underwhelming. The Chargers ranked just 20th in success rate out of 21 personnel and 13th out of 22, according to SIS.
That’s where Hampton enters the picture. The 221-pound bruiser out of North Carolina brings more than just size—he brings production and polish. In 2024, he finished with the third-most scrimmage yards in college football, averaging over 175 total yards per game. He ranked second nationally in rushing yards per game (138.3), forced a missed tackle on 26.3% of attempts, and posted 1,000+ yards after contact. He also contributed in the passing game with 363 yards and 16.5 Total Points, despite operating from a zone-heavy scheme with a -2.2 ADOT.
Hampton’s diverse skillset makes him a strong fit in Roman’s offense. While the Chargers leaned more on gap schemes in 2024, Hampton thrived in zone at UNC. Adjusting the run scheme to better blend both styles could unlock the full potential of the ground game. Adding his screen game utility (he led NCAA backs in Total Points on screens) is another wrinkle Los Angeles can exploit. Last season, the Chargers ran the fourth-fewest screens in the NFL.
Najee Harris Lends Stability To Chargers RB Room
With Harris—a four-year, 1,000-yard rusher and ironman with 68 consecutive starts—and Hampton, the Chargers now have a true backfield tandem. Harris provides experience and durability. Hampton offers explosion and upside. Together, they give Harbaugh the dual-threat rushing attack he needs to control games.
“We know they’re going to run the ball, so I’m loving it,” Hampton said. “I’m excited, we got me and Najee, a dominant duo backfield. … I feel like we’re building something special here.”
With a reinforced offensive line, a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, and a clear identity, the Chargers have built their offense around toughness and tempo. Hampton may be a rookie, but his game is tailor-made for Harbaugh football. The foundation is set for Los Angeles to dominate on the ground in 2025—and for Hampton to be at the center of it.
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