'Dynamic but physical' RB remains tantalizing option for Cowboys after pre-draft visit

[ASFN Admin]

The Dallas Cowboys have an obvious need at running back heading into the 2025 NFL draft, but how they should address that position has been the source of much debate this offseason. Free agency additions Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams will provide Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis competition come training camp, but none of them is a clear-cut RB1.

With the 12th overall pick in the draft, the Cowboys would likely be able to select one of this year's premier backfield options should they choose to do so. While Boise State's Ashton Jeanty is widely considered the best back available, it's not unanimous. North Carolina's Omarion Hampton may have less sizzle and name recognition than Jeanty- and his stats were nowhere near as gaudy- but he's believed by some to be a better long-term prospect. He's definitely on the Cowboys' radar; Hampton was one of the Cowboys' official 30 visitors. And he's a presumptive good fit in the eyes of the experts, too: ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has sent him to Dallas in three straight mock drafts.

Having just turned 22 last month, Hampton played three seasons for the Tar Heels and amassed more than 3,100 rushing yards over the past two. If the Cowboys don't grab him at 12, the talented Hampton will almost certainly be gone by the time Dallas is on the clock again with the 44th pick. Here's a look at his measurables, highlights, and scouting reports.

Omarion Hampton Measurables​

Omarion Hampton is a RB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.70 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 64 out of 2099 RB from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/ceou1zw2q1pic.twitter.com/7Yj23y6sIb

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 8, 2025

Omarion Hampton Highlights​

Omarion Hampton Scouting Report Compilation​

Scouting Overview - The 33rd Team

North Carolina Tar Heels RB Omarion Hampton is a dynamic but physical running back who should be afforded opportunities as a primary ball carrier in the NFL. Few running backs are doing more with less than Hampton, whose offensive line has not afforded him the space of many of his peers.

Hampton gets by with good vision, surprising versatility as a runner, and explosive finishes to earn hard yards. Oftentimes, he’s rewarded with missed tackles on these reps, which allows him to pop chunk gains into the secondary. Hampton has a viable every-down skill set, although many teams will likely have a better passing option on the roster as a part of their platoon. The ceiling is here for 250+ NFL touches per season, however.

Strengths - Pro Football & Sports Network

• Well-built running back who plays with good pad level and balance, which allows him to consistently bounce off would-be tacklers.
• Light on his feet for a bigger back and able to sift through traffic while running through the hole.
• Has good short-area explosiveness to burst through the line of scrimmage and into the second level.
• Very good patience to set up blocks and read and react off them properly.
• Outstanding vision and run instincts to feel the crease open up and evade tacklers in the open field.

Weaknesses - NFL.com

• One-speed, long-strider runner with limited one-cut ability.
• Slow vision to diagnose lane development and change run tracks.
• Bangs into blockers and lacks adequate elusiveness.
• Too eager to leave his feet and take abuse in the air.
• Below-average speed to win wide and turn the corner.

Film Breakdown​

For a look at all of the running backs Dallas is paying close attention to, check out the gallery below.

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys could draft explosive new workhorse RB in Omarion Hampton

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