Daniel Jeremiah 'Wouldn’t Be Shocked If' Teams Rank Omarion Hampton over Ashton Jeanty

North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton could be the first running back to hear his name called during the 2025 NFL draft instead of Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.

“I wouldn’t be shocked if some teams ended up having Hampton as their top running back,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said, via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “He’s bigger and he’s going to run fast. He’s super explosive. He’s loose for a big guy. When I update my top 50, there’ll be less distance between those two. Hampton’s going to move up for me. He’s just a different body. He can catch the ball, he’s very productive, can make you miss. It’s just hard to find guys that are 223 like that.”

“A lot of times, you get the speed, the explosiveness, and that comes with some tightness, some stiffness—he’s not stiff at all,” Jeremiah added. 

Hampton surpassed 1,500 rushing yards in each of the past two years with the Tar Heels, which included an impressive 2024 campaign. In 12 games, he racked up 1,660 yards on the ground to go along with 17 total touchdowns. 

The 21-year-old also served as a weapon in North Carolina’s passing attack, hauling in 38 passes for 373 yards. 

Jeanty spearheaded Boise State’s dominant rushing offense in 2024, pacing the country by rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in 14 appearances. He finished No. 2 in Heisman Trophy voting.

While he showcased his ability to fight through contact and pick up extra yards on a weekly basis, he wasn’t utilized as a receiver as much compared to Hampton. Jeanty caught 23 passes for 138 yards with the Broncos last season. 

Hampton was ranked as the No. 2 running back and No. 10 overall player in the 2025 draft class on the latest big board from Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department, sitting one spot behind Jeanty on both lists. 

Although Jeanty excelled with a high volume of carries in 2024, teams could covet Hampton more as the pre-draft process continues.