Omarion Hampton missed 8 games in his rookie campaign due to injury. He showed flashes of great play. How will he look with full health and Mike McDaniel as his Offensive Coordinator?
Omarion Hampton filled the role of RB1 for most of last season. Newly signed Najee Harris went down with a season-ending injury, and it turned into a trial by fire.
While he was competing for the top spot and ended up with his competitor down for the count, he was banged up for a significant part of the season, too. He completed 9 games and showed flashes all year. The promise he showed included running for 545 yards and 4 scores.
While the Dolphins' running game struggled in the first year of the Mike McDaniel era, by year two, they ranked 6th in rushing yards. The dual-headed monster of De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert combined for 1800 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. They were helped by motion on offense and the coach's zone running schemes. Something that Hampton also could benefit from.
He showed his pedigree during his last year at North Carolina, where he was second in the whole nation in rushing yards and set a school record with over 2000 all-purpose yards. The Chargers' first-round pick last year was a two-time finalist for the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back.
He also contributed to the passing game. In limited action for the injuries listed above, he also collected 32 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown. Showing potential as an outlet in the passing game on only 35 targets.
With McDaniels history as coach and coordinator (he also facilitated Elijah Mitchell rushing for over 900 yards as OC in San Francisco), it seems success in the running game is on the horizon. And the team is hoping it'll come sooner rather than later.
With health at the running back spot and a hopefully healed offensive line, Justin Herbert will be able to pick his spots and win with play-action passes.
Hampton also achieved a running back grade on Pro Football Focus that ranked 17th in the league. With more action, health, and a heavier workload, it's set to be even better next year. Not to mention the playcalling.
One of his highlights came in week four versus the Giants, when he got loose for 128 yards and a score. The Chargers will be hoping he can stay healthy long enough to build on this campaign. He's a power back, but his catching ability makes him a candidate to be an every-down feature back.
It'll be exciting to follow year two for him in Southern California.