The Denver Broncos recently re-signed fullback Michael Burton, but the starting running back spot remains unsettled. Currently, the team has Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson at the position. That's not good enough.
Former NFL General Manager Mike Tannenbaum believes that Omarion Hampton from North Carolina would be an excellent fit for head coach Sean Payton's system.
According to Tannenbaum, "I just think Hampton's speed, size and his ability to catch. I think Sean's going to have a tough time passing that guy up. I think he's going to see Alvin Kamara."
This year's draft offers a deep running back class, but former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum, now of ESPN, thinks that Sean Payton will bite on North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton at No. 20 because "I think he's going to see Alvin Kamara," Tannenbaum said today. pic.twitter.com/0Nz2gb57Jr
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) March 26, 2025
During his three seasons at North Carolina, Hampton accumulated 622 attempts, 3,565 rushing yards (5.7 YPC), and 36 touchdowns on the ground. He added 73 receptions, 635 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in the passing game.
Hampton is ranked a tier below Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, but the two-time first-team All-American would be a terrific addition to Denver's backfield. He's the consensus RB2 in this class.
While the comparisons to Kamara may be somewhat ambitious, there are clear similarities between their playing styles. Like Kamara, Hampton is a true three-down threat, equally effective in the passing game and as a ball carrier.
In Denver, Payton and General Manager George Paton must decide whether investing the No. 20 overall pick in a running back is a sound business decision. Some talented running backs are going to drop to day two or even day three of the 2025 NFL Draft. It remains to be seen if they can take that risk.
Related: Broncos Re-Sign Starting Fullback
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM.