New 2025 NFL Mock Draft has the Chargers giving Jim Harbaugh something his offense desperately missed last season

Year one of the Jim Harbaugh era for the Los Angeles Chargers had its fair share of ups and downs, but overall, I think the team would call it a success. They now enter this offseason ahead of his second season with a few team needs to address in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Year one of the Jim Harbaugh era for the Los Angeles Chargers had its fair share of ups and downs, but overall, I think the team would call it a success. 

They now enter this offseason ahead of his second season with a few team needs to address in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. But I think one especially needs to be a top priority for the draft: a running back. 

And a new A to Z Sports mock draft has them using their first pick on one of the best in the class. 


Chargers land North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton in a new mock draft

Nov 16, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

"Two RBs off the board in the first may shock some people, but I think North Carolina's Omarion Hampton has more fans around the league than many realize. Jim Harbaugh's offense is at its best when the run game is a key factor, and Hampton projects as a true three-down back who could be the bell cow in Los Angeles."

New A to Z Sports mock draft

If you followed Harbaugh's time at Michigan, his offense is at its best when it has a dynamic running game. Last year, they went with the by committee approach, with veterans like JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards leading the way. But finding a true three-down bell cow would be ideal for his offensive philosophy. 

North Carolina's Omarion Hampton projects as that to a tee. He led the ACC in rushing yards in each of the last two seasons and rushed for over 1,500 in both seasons. His size and speed combo allows him to do so many things out of the backfield. If they went this route, I think he would be a day-one starter for the team, and on top of being a perfect fit in Harbaugh's offense, he would also help take some of the pressure off Justin Herbert's shoulders.