The name Ashton Jeanty has been associated with the Chicago Bears a lot in the past couple of weeks. However, as we have gotten closer to the 2025 NFL draft the idea that Jeanty may not even be around for them at the tenth overall pick is also starting to get a lot more real.
Many are speculating that the Bears could take a game-changing running back in the first round, so if Jeanty is off of the board, does that open the door for Omarion Hampton?
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN is high on Hampton and does not see a big drop off from Jeanty. He had Hampton going 12th in his latest mock draft. His former colleague and now Ringer draft expert Todd McShay took his love for Hamption a step forward. McShay had Hampton mocked to the Bears at pick ten, so you cannot say this thought is outlandish.
We know the Bears have a need, we know that trusted draft analysts are starting to suggest that Hampton is not far behind Jeanty, and we have also been unsure of who Chicago will key in on if some of the more prominent names go as high as expected. When you put it all together it starts to make sense.
You could also argue that if Chicago does not get the most transcendent back in the class then they should move on to another player that they can only find in the top ten of drafts. A franchise tackle or freak athlete pass rusher may be what some fans would lean to if Jeanty is gone.
However, if Jeanty does go six, and Hampton does go in the 10-12 range, does that mean that the other backs will get pushed up the board as well? Do both Ohio State backs sneak into the back end of round one? Do the Bears then feel they have to reach or pass on running back in the second round?
Keep an eye on the buzz surrounding Omarion Hampton to the Chicago Bears. It may end up being more realistic than some currently think.