The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for the upcoming NFL season, with the likes of tight end David Njoku, offensive guard Cole Strange, and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel all joining the team this offseason.
The largest beneficiary from all these upgrades, though, is second-year running back Omarion Hampton.
Omarion Hampton’s Rookie Season
The 23-year-old Hampton had a tumultuous rookie season, sharing the backfield with veteran running back Najee Harris to start off the year, and running behind arguably one of the worst offensive lines in franchise history.
He also suffered an undisclosed ankle injury he suffered during the Week 5 contest against the Washington Commanders that was later revealed to be a left ankle fracture. Hampton was later placed on injured reserve, missing nearly two months of the season.
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Prior to this, Omarion Hampton had never missed a single game due to injury during his entire collegiate career at The University of North Carolina, playing in 38 straight games.
Hampton finished the season with 545 rushing yards on 125 attempts, along with 32 catches, 192 receiving yards, and 5 total touchdowns.
Omarion Hampton Breakout Season Incoming
The flashes seen during Hampton’s rookie campaign can’t be denied, as he looked just as advertised when the Chargers selected him with the 22nd overall pick. He carved up the New York Giants in Week 4, tallying 128 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries (10.7 yards per attempt).
Now with a full offseason of recovery, the 6’0 220 lb Hampton should look more like his former self.
Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Line Upgrades
General manager Joe Hortiz and the front office have made it their mission to fix what ultimately became their downfall in the depth of their offensive line.
They went out and signed multiple free agents, including the aforementioned Cole Strange, who has familiarity with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme during his time with the Miami Dolphins.
They attacked the position group again in the draft, taking four offensive linemen highlighted by 4th-round (117th overall) offensive tackle Travis Burke from Memphis, who stands at a towering 6’9. He becomes the tallest player on the Chargers roster, surpassing Joe Alt.
With 16 offensive linemen currently on the roster, the Chargers are living up to the “competitors welcome” mantra head coach Jim Harbaugh has preached, manufacturing a competitive environment to produce the best starting offensive line group. They’re making certain last season’s mishaps never happen again.
Raising the quality of the offensive line sets a higher floor for the run game, while the running back dictates the ceiling of the ground attack. With how talented an athlete Hampton is, the production he’ll have this season will be near the top of the league.
Mike McDaniel: The X-Factor
The biggest change for the Chargers this season was the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins over the past four seasons.
An innovative and creative playcaller, what separates McDaniel from other coaches is his open-minded approach. Instead of forcing players to assimilate into his offense and what he’s comfortable with as a playcaller, he builds his offense to his players’ strengths.
It’s the key to unlock not only this Chargers offense, but the talent Omarion Hampton has.
From Tevin Coleman, Devonta Freeman, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, and De’Von Achane, Mike McDaniel’s track record coaching running backs speaks for itself.
However, Omarion Hampton is the most talented player he’s worked with. The blend of speed (4.46 40-yard dash) and power Hampton brings is unique, and he’ll undoubtedly be the most talented player McDaniel will work with.
The Chargers continue to win the offseason with the upgrades throughout the franchise. Hopefully, this can be parlayed into the regular season, in which Omarion Hampton will be a focal point and show the league the type of player he is by displaying his talents on the field.