Best Scheme Fit: Universal.
Since he is so comfortable running between the tackles, his best
fit is probably in an offense that utilizes inside zone runs as
often as North Carolina did.
Best Team Fit(s): Broncos, Steelers, Raiders,
Bears, Cowboys, Browns
Non-bolded times - Good examples of attribute Bolded times - Average/poor examples of attribute
* - How well does his skill set carry over
to the fantasy game? For running backs, a player needs to be a
three-down option as well as a realistic threat for 1,000 rushing
yards and 500 receiving yards to be a candidate for a perfect
grade. Positional scarcity at the pro level is also a part of
the equation.
Positives
Absolute thumper who will set the tone for an offense
and wear out a defense with his ability to run between the tackles,
take defenders for a ride and consistently churn out yards after
contact (4.35 yards after contact per attempt across his final
two college seasons).
Presses the line of scrimmage well and offers a unique
blend - for a power back anyway - of patience to the hole and
explosiveness through it.
Effective receiver out of the backfield who likely can
do more than just catch screens and dump-offs (67 catches for
595 yards - only two drops - over the last two years).
Almost always seems to have a firm blocking base and
generally stops the rusher in his tracks or knocks him down;
constantly seeks more work to help his teammates find daylight.
One fumble on 319 touches in 2024 and two fumbles on
282 touches in 2023.
Only missed game in three college seasons was the Fenway
Bowl, which he opted out of to prepare for the draft.
Negatives
While more elusive than most power backs, he is unlikely
to make something out of nothing if the defense gets quick penetration.
Occasionally gets tunnel vision and misses a cutback
lane.
Great timed speed for a 220-pound back, but he is more
explosive than fast; will get caught from behind on long runs
by defensive backs.
His running style - specifically running so physically
but not preparing much for contact - could lead to durability
issues; will need to learn to be more selective about how often
he absorbs contact.
Did not get much of a chance to show off route-running
chops and played almost exclusively out of shotgun/pistol sets.
Probably trusts his body too much as a blocker (needs
to improve hand usage) and tends to get too eager to deliver
the blow.
Bottom Line
One of the most impressive parts of Hampton's resume was the
fact that his production did not suffer despite watching last
year's No. 3 overall draft pick (Drake Maye) and top receiver
Devontez Walker move onto the pros after the 2023 season. Not
only did the Tar Heels lose their stud quarterback and field-stretcher,
but Hampton was also forced to carry even more of the offensive
load after Maye's replacement (Max Johnson) was ruled out for
the season after getting hurt in the 2024 opener. Despite being
the focal point of defenses each week (and constantly facing heavy
boxes), the two-time Doak Walker Award finalist maintained his
rushing efficiency (5.9 yards per carry in both seasons) and increased
his receiving production (7.7 yards per catch to 9.8) over his
final two seasons. While none of this is trait-based scouting
per se, it provides valuable context regarding how much upside
Hampton might have. What could he have done in 2024 in an offense
that actually forced defenses to play him legitimately?
Hampton will never be the kind of running back that an offensive
coordinator will want running option routes out of the slot (ala
Alvin Kamara or Christian McCaffrey), but he is the kind of player
that a play-caller will want to get out in space more than North
Carolina did. He will almost certainly establish himself as one
of the league's premier short-yardage options in relatively short
order because he is so comfortable running between the tackles
and so good at getting yards after contact. Durability will likely
be an issue if doesn't do a better job of picking his spots to
absorb a hit, but there is little doubt Hampton will be a player
his coaching staff will fall in love with because he is a tone-setter
whose toolbox may not have been maximized in college. At worst,
he will be the physical complement in a committee. At best (and
the much more likely outcome), he will be utilized as a three-down
workhorse capable of wearing out defenses and closing games out.
He's not quite on the same level as Jonathan Taylor, but it would
not be surprising if he enjoys similar success down the road.
Doug Orth has written for FFToday since 2006 and joined the
Fantasy Points website before the start of the 2024 season. He is
also a highly successful high-stakes player who often appears as
a guest analyst on Sirius XM. Doug is also a member of the Fantasy
Sports Writers Association. Please check out his new podcast with
JJ Wenner called "The All-Out Blitz."
