Omarion Hampton: Sleeper RB1? Unlocking His Fantasy Football Dynasty Value

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a goldmine for running back talent, and one name consistently generating buzz in dynasty fantasy football circles is Omarion Hampton. Coming off a stellar career at North Carolina, Hampton is poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL. But is he just another promising prospect, or does he possess the potential to become a true RB1 for your dynasty squad?

Hampton’s Collegiate Dominance: A Glimpse of RB1 Potential

Omarion Hampton didn’t just play college football; he dominated it. Over the past two seasons, Hampton amassed a quiet 3,164 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. In 2024, even with the Tar Heels’ passing offense regressing after losing quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver Tez Walker, Hampton still managed to rack up 1,660 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. This showcases his ability to produce even when defenses are focused on stopping him.

Hampton’s sophomore year was his true breakout. He took over the starting role and ran for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He also contributed in the passing game, catching 29 passes for 222 yards and another touchdown. His performance earned him First-Team All-ACC honors and a spot as a Doak Walker Award finalist.

One of the most impressive aspects of Hampton’s game is his ability to gain yards after contact. In fact, Greg Cosell, an NFL analyst and producer for NFL Films, noted that Hampton ranks in the 97th percentile in yards after contact per attempt. This speaks to his power, determination, and ability to break tackles, all crucial traits for a successful NFL running back.

The NFL Combine: Validating the Hype

Hampton’s impressive tape translated into a strong showing at the NFL Combine. At 6’0″ and 220 pounds, he possesses the ideal size and build for a workhorse running back. He further solidified his athleticism by finishing second among running backs in the broad jump (10-foot-10) and posting a solid 4.46 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical jump.

Former UNC Head Coach Mack Brown even stated, “He’s got 4.4 speed at 220 pounds, and that’s freakish.” While the exact 40-time may be debated, the sentiment remains: Hampton is an exceptional athlete for his size.

Dynasty Fantasy Football Value: Where Does Hampton Fit?

In a loaded 2025 running back class featuring names like Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kaleb Johnson, where does Hampton project in dynasty rookie drafts?

Many analysts view Hampton as a potential top-5 pick in superflex rookie drafts. While Ashton Jeanty is generally considered the RB1 of the class, some NFL teams reportedly have Hampton ranked ahead of Jeanty. This highlights the different skill sets and preferences that teams value in a running back.

Steve Bradshaw, a fantasy football expert, currently ranks Hampton as his RB3 in 2025 dynasty rookie rankings, just behind TreVeyon Henderson for PPR leagues. This is primarily due to Henderson’s perceived edge as a pass-catcher. However, Bradshaw still considers Hampton a fantastic player and a valuable asset in dynasty leagues.

Ideal NFL Landing Spots: Maximizing Hampton’s Potential

The team that drafts Omarion Hampton will significantly impact his fantasy football value. Several teams stand out as potentially ideal landing spots:

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys struggled with their rushing attack in 2024, and while they’ve signed Javonte Williams, they still need a true workhorse back. Hampton would thrive as a three-down playmaker in Dallas.
Cleveland Browns: With Nick Chubb’s future uncertain, the Browns could target Hampton to pair with Jerome Ford. Hampton’s physical running style would be a great fit in Cleveland’s offense.
Denver Broncos: The Broncos need to bolster their backfield around rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Hampton would immediately become the most talented ball carrier on the roster and could anchor Denver’s running game.
Chicago Bears: While the Bears have D’Andre Swift, his performance in 2024 was underwhelming. Hampton could challenge for the starting role and provide a much-needed boost to Chicago’s running game.

Is Hampton a Sleeper RB1? The Verdict

Omarion Hampton possesses all the traits necessary to become a valuable asset in dynasty fantasy football: size, speed, power, and production. While he may not be the consensus RB1 of the class, his potential is undeniable.

Hampton’s ability to gain yards after contact, combined with his solid receiving skills, makes him a threat to score points in multiple ways. If he lands in the right situation with a team that utilizes him as a workhorse back, Hampton has the potential to emerge as a true RB1 for your dynasty squad.

While some analysts have concerns about his long speed and route running, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. Hampton is a violent, downhill runner with the size and athleticism to handle a heavy workload. He’s a tone-setter who can control the pace of the game, and that’s a valuable asset for any NFL team – and any dynasty fantasy football team.

Don’t sleep on Omarion Hampton. He could be the steal of your dynasty rookie draft and a cornerstone of your team for years to come.