The 2025 NFL Draft has a lot of stacked position groups. Defensive tackles, edge rushers, and tight ends are among the most prominent groups that have an abundance of talent. There is one position group that might have the most talent of all positions, and it’s the running back draft class.
While the New England Patriots may not have a glaring need at running back with Rhamondre Stevenson locked up through the 2028 season, they have an out in 2027. Stevenson has been a solid player for the Patriots, but the rushing attack needs some help.
That’s where UNC running back Omarion Hampton comes in. He would be reuniting with Drake Maye after their time together at UNC, and when asked about their time together, Hampton looked back on it fondly.
He described that Maye “took him under his wing” at UNC and that it would be an “amazing experience” to get to play with him again.
When asked if he met with the Patriots and how it went, he said that “It was straight, it was good.”
Hampton provides a spark to the Patriots’ offense and would help their rushing attack. New England had a middle-of-the-league rushing attack, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and 1969 rushing yards.
The biggest issue that the Patriots had in the run game was all of the fumbles given up by Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. The Patriots led the NFL in fumbles on rushing attempts, having 14, two more than the next closest team.
Ball security is a priority for a running back pickup, and Hampton is one of the best in the 2025 NFL Draft class when it comes to securing the ball.
Hampton is coming off an impressive 2024 season where he finished with 1660 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, to go with 373 receiving yards on 38 receptions. His ability to make plays in the run and pass game makes him a fantastic option for the Patriots as they look to improve their running back room.
The 2025 NFL Draft has a stacked running back class, and Hampton has been the consensus number two back in the entire draft cycle, behind only Ashton Jeanty.
While unlikely to be taken fourth overall, Hampton is a prime candidate to be the Patriots’ selection at 38th overall. It may require a trade up into the end of the first round, but Hampton would be a huge asset for the Patriots’ offense.
If the Patriots land the UNC running back, reuniting him with Maye, he could help elevate the Patriots’ offense to another level.