For the first time in a decade, the Los Angeles Chargers used a first-round pick on a running back—signaling a clear philosophical shift under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. The franchise hadn’t selected a back in Round 1 since 2015, when they drafted Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon 15th overall. Gordon’s 1,105-yard campaign in 2017 remains the last time any Chargers player cracked the 1,000-yard mark.
This offseason, newly hired general manager Joe Hortiz made his intentions clear: reestablish the run. His first major move was signing former Steelers standout Najee Harris, a model of consistency who eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four seasons in Pittsburgh.
Then came the draft. With the 22nd overall pick, Los Angeles selected University of North Carolina star Omarion Hampton. The explosive runner racked up over 1,500 yards in each of his final two college seasons and arrives with high expectations.
Los Angeles Chargers Rookie, Omarion Hampton, Joins “Something Special”
Hampton recently appeared on The Jim Rome Show and couldn’t contain his excitement about the direction of the team and the opportunity to share a backfield with Harris.
“We know (Harbaugh)’s going to run the ball, he’s decided to run the ball and it’s something he wants to do,” said Hampton. “He did it all his career, so I’m just excited to get started. With him being my head coach, I couldn’t be more happy.”
Harbaugh’s arrival has already shown tangible results. In 2023, the Chargers ranked 25th in rushing offense, averaging just 96.6 yards per game. With Greg Roman now installed as offensive coordinator and former Ravens runner J.K. Dobbins offering flashes when healthy, L.A. jumped to 17th in the league last year, improving to 110.7 rushing yards per contest.
Hampton is optimistic about what’s to come with the reshaped offense.
“We know they’re going to run the ball, so I’m loving it,” he said. “I’m excited—we got me and Najee, a dominant duo backfield. I’m excited to learn from him, I’m excited to get out there. We got a good offensive line, a good quarterback. I feel like we’re building something special here.”
With two proven backs in the fold, a power-oriented coaching staff, and renewed emphasis on the ground game, could the Chargers finally snap their seven-year drought without a 1,000-yard rusher—or even produce two? The potential is unmistakable.
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