Where does Omarion Hampton land in The Draft Wire’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft?

Should Omarion Hampton be higher or lower in this NFL Mock Draft?

The college football regular season proved to be more tough sledding for the North Carolina Tar Heels, as they finished 6-6 with two consecutive losses, including their fourth-straight to rival NC State.

Despite UNC’s mediocre regular season, it clinched a bowl game for the sixth-consecutive year. North Carolina’s offense carried it once again, with one player primarily to thank for that – Omarion Hampton.

Though Hampton won’t be suiting up for the Tar Heels in their Fenway Bowl appearance on Saturday, December 28, it’s for good reason. Hampton recently declared for the NFL Draft – and it appears he’ll be selected early.

In The Draft Wire’s most recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft, released during the wee hours of Christmas morning, Hampton is projected 46th overall to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincinnati would be an interesting destination for Hampton, given the Bengals’ current running back room. Chase Brown emerged as Cincy’s starting back in September, but the Bengals also have Zack Moss, who went on season-ending IR in November.

Hampton emerged as a premier running back in 2023, when he delivered his first of three 200-yard performances, in a double-overtime win against App State. 13 games later, Hampton ended his sophomore season with an ACC-leading 1,504 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Hampton followed up his strong 2023 with an even better 2024, compiling 1,660 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Hampton climbed UNC’s record books during the regular season, highlighted by him moving past Marquise Williams for third all-time with 36 career rushing touchdowns.

Whichever NFL team snags Hampton will get a tough, productive running back who is ready for the next level. I’m excited for Hampton’s journey into the pros – and you should be, too.

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