"Didn't see a guy with great vision" - Bob McGinn serves harsh reality check to Omarion Hampton on RB's first-round draft projection

By Arnold

Modified Apr 01, 2025 13:18 GMT

NFL: Combine - Source: Imagn — Bob McGinn serves harsh reality check to Omarion Hampton on RB's first-round draft projection - Source: Imagn

Omarion Hampton might be one of the best running backs in the 2025 NFL draft class. However, draft expert Bob McGinn has offered some harsh reality on the North Carolina star, who is projected as a first-round pick.

In a piece on Hampton that he published on "Go Long," McGinn wrote about the running back's flaws. He also projected the running back to go as a potential third or fourth round pick.

"He runs really high. Pretty tight and stiff," McGinn wrote. "The best running backs are guys with low centers of gravity, lateral agility, contact balance. This guy’s just big and straight-line fast. Maybe in the right scheme, maybe an outside zone-49ers-Sean McVay get him on a track and get him downhill and then he can run away from people. But it’s such an instinctive position.

"I just didn’t see a guy with great vision and great contact balance. But the production’s there. He’s a tough one (to project). He looks the part. I’d see him third or fourth round. I’d be shocked if he went first or second round."

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

Expand Tweet

Hampton, who played his entire three-year college career at UNC, had a stellar 2024 season. He racked up 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns on 281 carries. The RB posted eight games with 100+ rushing yards and two with 200+ rushing yards. He also contributed 373 yards and two touchdowns on 38 receptions across 12 games, earning his second first-team All-American selection.

Omarion Hampton linked to the Chicago Bears in 2025 NFL draft

North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton - Source: Imagn

The Chicago Bears are one of the teams that are reportedly interested in drafting Omarion Hampton. The Bears hold the No. 10 pick this year and aim to take a running back to relieve some pressure off quarterback Caleb Williams.

While the Bears are also monitoring Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, he could be picked before they get their chance to make a selection. So, Hampton is widely considered the next best alternative.

However, Chicago could be wary of drafting Hampton given McGinn's latest comments on the UNC star.

About the author

Arnold is a journalist covering College Sports and the NFL at Sportskeeda. He has been with the company since August 2022.

Arnold graduated with a degree in Mass Media from MIC. As a sports fanatic, he pursued writing to express his thoughts and opinions on sports events across the globe. He has also worked at Wizcraft and Publicis.

Arnold began supporting the Kansas City Chiefs after watching Patrick Mahomes lead them to Super Bowl glory in 2020. He also has a soft corner for the New York Yankees since he's lived in New York for two years. Arnold's favorite coach of all time is Andy Reid, and the Chiefs dynasty looks far from over.

In his free time, Arnold enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling. He follows several other sports including football, cricket, tennis, basketball, boxing and F1.

Know More

North Carolina Tar Heels Fans? Check out the latest North Carolina Tar Heels depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Edited by R. Elahi