The New Orleans Saints are nearing the end of an era, with several key veterans approaching the final years on their contracts. While it’s always hard to say goodbye, the Saints have to work on replacing some franchise greats. That includes running back Alvin Kamara, who signed a two-year extension, but is undoubtedly nearing the end of his run in the league.
While replacing Kamara will be an incredibly difficult task, the Saints could find his successor in the 2025 NFL Draft. That running back may be Omarion Hampton.
Omarion Hampton could be a good fit for the Saints
Accolades: 2nd team All-America, Doak Walker Award finalist
2024 stats: 281 attempts, 1,660 yards, 15 touchdowns
Size: 6”1’, 220 LBs
Projection: 2nd round
Omarion Hampton is a powerful workhorse running back who can make defenders miss in the open field. He is a well-rounded player, capable of rushing, receiving, and pass-blocking. He would be an excellent fit for a team needing a bell-cow back.
Hampton is a violent running back who's always looking to punish the defense. It's uncommon for him to go down on first contact. In 2024, Hampton ranked second in the FBS with 1,222 yards after contact. The former Tar Heel bounces off tackles effortlessly, excelling in short-yardage situations. He puts his head down and charges forward, not ceasing until he’s moved the chains.
Hampton’s stamina is impressive. He’s as good, if not better, in the fourth quarter then he is in the first. He can take the majority of the workload for an offense. This year he averaged 23.4 carries per game, sixth in the FBS, proving to be a reliable option an offense can always count on.
Hampton is dangerous once he reaches the open field. He has good speed and is evasive when being pursued. The junior is a big-play machine; he rushed for over 15 yards 26 different times this year (4th in FBS). If a defense isn’t careful, they could easily give up a massive gain.
Contributing to pass protections is necessary in the NFL; this aligns with Hampton’s strength. He is a more than willing contributor and is successful when he does. He uses sound fundamentals and isn’t too aggressive in reaching his block. There are multiple instances of Hampton saving the play due to blocking a free rusher.
Hampton must be accounted for while passing. He is a reliable target for the quarterback, rarely dropping a ball. In his career, Hampton has brought in 72 of his 80 targets for 631 yards. He is a valuable safety net for the quarterback to quickly get the ball if he’s under duress.
The one area that Hampton needs to improve is his breakaway speed. He has good speed, but it isn’t elite. Defenders at the next level are going to be able to track him down if he doesn’t make strides to improve.
The future at running back is unsure for New Orleans. Selecting Hampton would take a step in fixing it. The Saints should be intrigued by the former Tar Hell; they should put serious thought into picking him.