When the Chargers selected Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, head coach Jim Harbaugh saw more than just a talented running back — he saw the ideal fit for his offensive identity. Known for his run-first approach, Harbaugh was “thrilled” to bring in a player who exemplified the toughness and versatility he values.
Hampton, praised for his size, production, and love for the game, expressed excitement about joining forces with a top-tier quarterback in Justin Herbert, a strong offensive line, and a coach committed to the ground game. This pick follows Harbaugh’s 2024 first-round selection of tackle Joe Alt at No. 5 — another player built for his physical style.
Jim Harbaugh Reflects on Omarion Hampton’s Draft Value
Harbaugh recently opened up about the team’s decision to select running back Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, revealing that the front office turned down multiple trade offers to secure the player they had zeroed in on.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Harbaugh explained that his admiration for Hampton developed well before the NFL Combine.
“Was tracking him through the season,” Harbaugh said. “When you turn on games, knew about him. But then, before the combine, really started digging into every single position… immediately just fired up about him.”
The former Michigan head coach emphasized Hampton’s completeness as a back, calling him a “four-down back” and praising his pass protection, receiving ability, and leadership.
“He puts the team on his shoulders,” Harbaugh said. His enthusiasm only grew after meeting Hampton at the combine, describing him as an “NFL-ready back” and noting that “all boxes [were] checked.”
He added that throughout Hampton’s life,
“Everybody you talk to… has nothing but glowing things to say.”
One remark particularly stood out to Harbaugh:
“He’s the best player I’ve ever coached. He’s the kind of young man that I would want my daughter to marry.”
Harbaugh admitted the Chargers were surprised Hampton was still available at No. 22. Multiple teams reportedly reached out to trade up, but Los Angeles was firm.
“You’re going to listen to those calls,” he said, “but like for this player, it’s going to have to be something that blows us away.”
Despite receiving “some good deals,” Harbaugh said the decision was clear:
“This is our guy. Let’s press the button and pick him.”
The Chargers offense, which ranked 20th last season, has made a concerted effort to revamp its personnel with more physically dominant players, what Harbaugh described as “prototypical Harbaugh-type guys.”
This approach includes not just Hampton, but free agent additions such as 6-foot-7, 363-pound guard Mekhi Becton, 6-foot-1, 242-pound running back Najee Harris, and 6-foot-3, 248-pound tight end Tyler Conklin.
KEEP READING: Fans Can’t Believe Omarion Hampton Is Just 6’0″ After He Goes Viral for Looking Way Taller Next to 6’3″ Jim Harbaugh
Describing Hampton’s frame, Harbaugh recalled a viral photo of himself shaking the back of his hand:
“He looks like a giant in this photograph.”
Though Harbaugh joked that they’re about the same weight—“maybe 222, maybe 224”—he added,
“His 224 is chiseled out of granite.”
For Harbaugh, Hampton represents more than a draft pick—he’s a foundational piece for the physical identity the Chargers are building.
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