When the Chicago Bears make their 2025 NFL Draft selections in a few weeks, one of the positions they may address is running back. After finishing a dismal 25th in all-purpose rushing yards, new head coach Ben Johnson will undoubtedly be looking to improve this. DeAndre Swift may not be the lead back in 2025.
One of Johnson’s clear strengths in Detriot as the offensive coordinator was his rushing attack, led by the elite combo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Now, you could attribute most of that success to Detriot’s stellar offensive line, but the guys handling the rock deserve a bulk of the credit as well.
With GM Ryan Poles making an effort to improve the line, and this class being deep with running backs, there are a few names to keep an eye on. Omarion Hampton comes to mind, as the speedy and powerful back out of North Carolina is turning heads as the draft nears.
Could the Bears take a running back early on in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Hampton is a six-foot, 220-pound back with plenty of upside. Across the league, scouts have viewed him as the second or third back in the class behind the obvious first choice, Ashton Jeanty. It becomes more and more likely that Jeanty may be gone by the 10th pick, and the Bears will have to either draft one in the middle rounds or take a chance on Hampton or Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson.
The former UNC Tarheel has already met with Johnson and the Bears multiple times, saying at the combine, “It was amazing to meet all those guys and build those connections”. The interest is certainly there.
Hampton would provide this offensive with an explosive, powerful punch. He runs a lot like Washington’s Brian Robinson Jr and reminds me at times of a younger Zeke Elliot. With his impressive burst and high motor, he could fit perfectly in Johnson’s offensive, either replacing Swift or rotating with him.
Omarion Hampton's power & build paired with his accel + change of pace. He'll turn busted plays into positives
His draft projections have been sporadic, but it's hard to not see the day one plus-value he'll add to a backfield pic.twitter.com/teaplnVav2
— Football Digest (@FoootballDigest) April 6, 2025
Omarion put up some impressive numbers for UNC, rushing for 1,660 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2024 season. He also caught 38 passes and got into the endzone twice through the air, even though he may not be as much of a duel threat as some others in this RB class.
Hampton also recorded six straight 100-yard games in 2024, bruising his way through the ACC and heading into his NFL career with some confidence. He’s a name I expect to hear sooner rather than later when draft night comes around.
If the Chicago Bears do indeed trade back, Omarion Hampton becomes a real possibility at the end of the first round
Many mock drafts from top NFL draft reporters have the Chicago Bears taking a running back at some point, but most of them lean toward Jeanty or Kaleb Johnson. Hampton is the sleeping pick for most, but I think he could fit this new offensive perfectly.
Caleb Williams will need an improved rushing attack if the organization wants to see significant strides on offense going forward. This will depend on the new and improved offensive line Poles has put together and how good Swift and (insert rookie) will do in 2025.
If the Bears do decide to trade back like it’s been rumored seemingly every year, watch out for Hampton. His tape is impressive, and he seems like a great kid based on his interviews.
Be on the lookout for a new, full Bears mock draft later this week.
Chicago Bears veteran’s job could be on the line in NFL Draft
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