The Los Angeles Chargers have a history of taking the best player available in the draft. LA took running back Omarion Hampton with the 22nd overall pick and was set to split the running load with Najee Harris, but was still the first option on the team.
Injuries prevented Hampton from playing in 7 games his rookie season and prevented him from making an impact in his playoff debut, only having 1 rushing attempt for a negative gain.
Now with an offseason to heal, one NFL reporter dropped a bold prediction for the former North Carolina Tar Heel.
Omarion Hampton Gets Bold Prediction
GettyOmarion Hampton #8 of the Los Angeles Chargers
In his 9 games played his rookie season, Omarion Hampton ran for 545 yards and 4 touchdowns; Hampton was also a threat in the passing game, logging 162 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Now set to be 100% in the 2026 season and with a new offensive coordinator, the running back could be prepared for new heights in his second year as a professional.
Greg Auman of Fox Sports dropped a list of 10 second-year players who could be poised for a breakout year, listing Hampton as his third highest to do so.
“Omarion Hampton was taken 22nd overall but missed half his rookie season with an ankle injury,” Auman wrote. “To be the lead back in a Mike McDaniel offense is a huge boost…”
“[The] Los Angeles Chargers will benefit from a much healthier offensive line after playing most of 2025 without either starting tackle. The interior of the offensive line has been upgraded, and Hampton should get the largest share of carries ahead of backups… He’s a safe bet for a 1,000-yard season if he stays healthy as part of a team poised to make a deep playoff run.”
Pro Bowl tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are set to return to the Bolts after suffering season-ending injuries. LA signed former Washington Commanders center Tyler Baidasz to a $30 million deal. McDaniel will reunite with Cole Strange, who played together in the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins. The Bolts also drafted 4 offensive linemen in the 2026 draft to help reinforce the group.
With the new help up front, Omarion Hampton could be set to have a strong season and help the Chargers in a playoff run if healthy.
Mike McDaniel On the Running Game
GettyNew Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel
One of the biggest benefits of adding Mike McDaniel to the Los Angeles Chargers coaching staff is his history of leading the run game.
The new OC held the title of run game specialist and run game coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2020 before becoming the offensive coordinator for the NFC West team.
“I spent a good portion of my career being in charge of the run game and being a run game coordinator,” McDaniel said, via the NFL. “I think that you’re always playing to your skill sets, and each team that you’re on has a different array of them…”
“I think Jim [Harbaugh] appreciates the evolution of the game and different ways that you can try to attack how people are defending you, and that’s always evolving.”
With Mike McDaniel calling the plays on offense, Omarion Hampton should have a notable increase in production in his second season.
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