According to Warren Sharp, there have been five NFL running backs since 2000 to finish with five straight 1,000 yard seasons. Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Clinton Portis, and Harris. The ironman has started 71 of 71 games since being drafted by Pittsburgh, who opted to move on from the fifth-year pro who has averaged under four yards per carry over his career. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh wants a run-dependent offense and Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman has had his biggest success with a run-dependent offense in Baltimore. Cue the quick signing of Harris after a 2024 season that mightily struggled on the ground in 2024. Out go veterans JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, in comes the dependable Harris. This is a relationship that dates back to 2016 when Harbaugh tried hard to recruit Harris to Michigan.
In January 2025, the Ourlads Mock 1.0 was released. At #22 overall we had the Chargers taking Hampton. Months later, that is exactly what happened. When a team takes a back in the first round, their plan is almost always to start them or at least give them the most amount of touches. While a lot of the attention went to Ashton Jeanty in the pre-draft process (and rightfully so), Hampton was one of one when it came to the physical profile. He has Saquon Barkley-caliber tools and nearly two thirds of his yards in 2024 came after contact. If there was ever a Harbaugh-type back in any draft, it looks like Hampton.
Prediction: Hampton