It's the second week of April, which means it's peak mock draft season as the real deal approaches in less than a fortnight. The Washington Commanders hold the No. 29 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and there are several directions they could choose to take.
That said, there seems to be one particular team need — and now, one particular player — who many analysts are pegging as an ideal fit for the Commanders. That would be North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.
This intriguing possibility was highlighted by Zack Selby from the team's official website in his weekly mock draft round-up around the media. Whether it's a luxury the Commanders can afford with needs at cornerback and edge rusher potentially taking priority is a different matter entirely.
Still, it couldn't be completely dismissed that's for sure.
Commanders would solve their lack of backfield explosiveness with Omarion Hampton
Hampton is considered one of the top running back prospects in his class, in a toss-up for "best of the rest" honors behind Boise State's Ashton Jeanty. As Connor Rogers from NBC Sports explains.
He's extremely physical in everything he does from between the tackles running, to creating after the catch, down to pass protection.Connor Rogers via Commanders.com
Josh Edwards from CBS Sports adds that "Hampton gives Washington a three-down back that will take some of the pressure off Jayden Daniels."
Yahoo! notes that Hampton "has been a star of the draft process coming off the backs of a dominant season running the ball for UNC." During each of his final two college seasons, the Tar Heel standout rushed for at least 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Interestingly enough, all three mocks that have Washington taking Hampton have him as the second running back off the board, notably ahead of TreVeyon Henderson. The Ohio State prospect had been consistently ranked above him for several months. He now seems to have slipped into the second round of most projections.
Whether it's Hampton or not, the Commanders would certainly be justified in using their first-round pick on a running back.
It's a position that is seeing a resurgence in value after the success Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and more brought to their teams last season. Washington's incumbent backfield of Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols is serviceable, but lacks explosive upside.
Hampton would give the team a potential stud for years to come. He represents a player who could serve as the final piece of an elite offense.
The Commanders have a star quarterback in Jayden Daniels, a star wide receiver in Terry McLaurin, and what figures to be much-improved depth in the passing game. A workhorse like Hampton could put Washington over the top with a smooth transition.
