If it weren’t for Ashton Jeanty bulldozing his way through a historic 2024 season, Omarion Hampton would be sitting atop draft boards as the most coveted running back in a loaded class. But don’t let that take anything away from what Hampton brings to the table. Because his bruising, no-nonsense, throwback style has NFL teams quietly circling his name in pen, not pencil.

Hampton is the kind of workhorse who could’ve feasted in the Bill Belichick heyday, grinding down defenses with 25 carries a game. And even though he won’t get the chance to play for Belichick at North Carolina, Hampton still has plenty to say about the seismic coaching shift inside the Tar Heels’ locker room—and who he wouldn’t mind teaming up with next.

While chopping it up with NBC’s Ahmed Fareed and Chris Simms during draft coverage, Hampton pulled back the curtain on how things have shifted in Chapel Hill since Mack Brown stepped away and Bill Belichick briefly flirted with the UNC orbit. “I feel like it’s kind of it’s kind of both of them were good. I feel like it’s kind of just two different things,” Hampton said when comparing Brown and Belichick.

“Both have their pros, both have their cons. So, I feel like just being there now, I feel like the players like it. It’s a lot more like – I heard they like – tackle every day. I feel like it’s a lot more work, harder work and stuff like that, but I feel like overall that’s going to get them uh better prepared for the game because that’s what you’re going to be doing in the game.” It’s a telling glimpse into the old-school edge now creeping into UNC’s identity, even without Belichick officially taking over.

But make no mistake— Omarion Hampton is already molded for the pro level. A true three-down back with hands as soft as they are reliable, he doesn’t just run through you—he’ll protect the quarterback, too. His pass-blocking chops are refined, diagnosing blitzes quickly and squaring up on contact. Combine that with elite vision and balance, and you’ve got a complete back. And then there’s the speed—4.46 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. Making him a nightmare in the open field. His 1,026 yards after contact last season ranked third in the nation, a stat that jumps off the scouting report and screams NFL-ready.

That blend of size, strength, and game-readiness has teams in the back half of the first round sniffing around. Once Jeanty goes off the board—likely in the top 15—Hampton’s name will dominate every war room conversation centered on the running back position. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who let Najee Harris walk in free agency, are one of the more intriguing fits. They love their ground-and-pound culture, and Hampton fits that mold like a glove. Plug him in behind that improving O-line, and he could eat in the AFC North.

Yet there’s buzz that Hampton might have a personal wishlist, subtle as it may be. Earlier this offseason. That could be linking himself to a $260 million QB, perhaps a wink at a future alignment with one of the league’s elite arms. Could that mean a pairing with Jalen Hurts in Philly? Maybe… For now, Hampton’s letting his play—and measured words—do the talking. Just a back who handles all three downs, embraces contact like an old friend, and studies the game like he was born in the film room.

Omarion Hampton: The battering ram eyeing a Ravens nest

UNC’s 221 lbs powerhouse RB is making waves as he eyes the 2025 NFL Draft. In his sit-down with Simms, Hampton also revealed his lifelong admiration for the Baltimore Ravens, stating, “I like the Ravens a lot. Always been a big Ravens guy.” Simms responded enthusiastically, “You’d fit that. That’s for sure. They’d like you running through the tackles.” He even hinted at a potential future with the team, saying, “When Derrick Henry leaves, that’s for sure.”

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Hampton’s college stats are nothing short of impressive. In 2024, he rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Over his collegiate career, he amassed 3,565 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, ranking fourth in UNC’s history. Hampton considers himself a “three-down back,” confident in his ability to pass block, catch out of the backfield, and handle a full workload. “I can do everything,” he asserted during the NFL Scouting Combine. ​

Teaming up with Lamar Jackson could create a dynamic duo that’s tough to stop.​ With his combination of power, agility, and determination, Hampton could be the perfect fit for the Ravens’ offense, especially as they look to bolster their backfield in the coming seasons.