As the NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys face an important decision with the No. 12 overall pick. Many mock drafts suggest the team should select Boise State standout running back Ashton Jeanty to enhance their rushing attack. However, the front office could consider looking for a solution to the backfield in later rounds, especially since this year features a deep class of ball carriers.
While Jeanty is the clear-cut RB1 of the 2025 draft class, CBS Sports’ Dan Schneier listed the Cowboys as a top landing spot for North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton. Dallas addressed its need for more help in the ground game with the free agent signings of Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams; however, with both veteran backs on just one-year deals, adding a playmaker like Hampton could put the finishing touches on improving a ground attack that finished No. 27 overall, averaging just 100.3 yards per game.
The Cowboys have a need for Hampton and are selecting in the top-third of the second round — this is an area of the draft Hampton could find himself coming off the board in the same range Jonathan Taylor was selected by the Colts. Taylor is my NFL comparison for Hampton. What excites me most about the fit is that Brian Schottenheimer is taking over as head coach and he committed to a more run-heavy offensive approach in the second half of the 2024 season. The Cowboys have retooled their offensive line in the last few draft classes and will likely be drafting more help again this year (because that’s what they do and they do it well). More importantly, Hampton should fit the blocking scheme like a glove in Dallas, will immediately be their red zone back, could immediately play on third downs, and join an offense that should return to the top 12 in scoring with Dak Prescott back at the helm.
Hampton played for the Tar Heels from 2022 to 2024, finishing with a career total of 3,565 rushing yards. This included 3,164 yards in his last two seasons, along with 36 touchdowns over 38 games, in which he started 26. He earned recognition as a Two-Time All-American and was selected as a Two-Time First-Team All-ACC player in 2023 and 2024.
Omarion Hampton had #34 from NC State in hell for 3 straight plays. pic.twitter.com/gIB6SOjGDM
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 3, 2025
The 6-foot, 221-pound running back is recognized for his size, strength, and powerful running style. It often takes multiple defenders to bring him down. Hampton is currently ranked as the No. 2 running back on ESPN’s draft board and is considered the 13th-best prospect overall.
Dallas has already done plenty of homework on Hampton, having met with the talented back last Friday. Should Hampton be available in the second round, the Cowboys could be getting a steal with a player that has seen his name mocked in the first round.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Draft analyst thinks Cowboys are a great fit for Omarion Hampton
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys face an important decision with the No. 12 overall pick. Many mock drafts suggest the team should select Boise State standout running back Ashton Jeanty to enhance their rushing attack. However, the front office could consider looking for a solution to the backfield in later rounds, especially since this year features a deep class of ball carriers.
While Jeanty is the clear-cut RB1 of the 2025 draft class, CBS Sports’ Dan Schneier listed the Cowboys as a top landing spot for North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton. Dallas addressed its need for more help in the ground game with the free agent signings of Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams; however, with both veteran backs on just one-year deals, adding a playmaker like Hampton could put the finishing touches on improving a ground attack that finished No. 27 overall, averaging just 100.3 yards per game.
The Cowboys have a need for Hampton and are selecting in the top-third of the second round — this is an area of the draft Hampton could find himself coming off the board in the same range Jonathan Taylor was selected by the Colts. Taylor is my NFL comparison for Hampton. What excites me most about the fit is that Brian Schottenheimer is taking over as head coach and he committed to a more run-heavy offensive approach in the second half of the 2024 season. The Cowboys have retooled their offensive line in the last few draft classes and will likely be drafting more help again this year (because that’s what they do and they do it well). More importantly, Hampton should fit the blocking scheme like a glove in Dallas, will immediately be their red zone back, could immediately play on third downs, and join an offense that should return to the top 12 in scoring with Dak Prescott back at the helm.
Hampton played for the Tar Heels from 2022 to 2024, finishing with a career total of 3,565 rushing yards. This included 3,164 yards in his last two seasons, along with 36 touchdowns over 38 games, in which he started 26. He earned recognition as a Two-Time All-American and was selected as a Two-Time First-Team All-ACC player in 2023 and 2024.
Omarion Hampton had #34 from NC State in hell for 3 straight plays. pic.twitter.com/gIB6SOjGDM
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 3, 2025
The 6-foot, 221-pound running back is recognized for his size, strength, and powerful running style. It often takes multiple defenders to bring him down. Hampton is currently ranked as the No. 2 running back on ESPN’s draft board and is considered the 13th-best prospect overall.
Dallas has already done plenty of homework on Hampton, having met with the talented back last Friday. Should Hampton be available in the second round, the Cowboys could be getting a steal with a player that has seen his name mocked in the first round.
Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Draft analyst thinks Cowboys are a great fit for Omarion Hampton
