Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears have spent a ton of money and resources into fixing their offensive line for young quarterback Caleb Williams, which has drastically changed the priorities for this franchise heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The first round was particularly impacted.
Rather than locking themselves into an offensive lineman, Chicago can now look at positions like running back. With Boise State star Ashton Jeanty establishing himself as a no-doubt top pick in this draft, there's a good chance that he ends up being picked before Chicago could snag him at No. 10 overall.
The Bears shouldn't feel too helpless, however. This class features multiple future starters in North Carolina's Omarion Hampton and a pair of Ohio State stars in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Bears fans who are all aboard the Hampton train may have gotten a second wind.
According to Jordan Schultz, Hampton is continuing to rise up draft boards, with one executive comparing him and Jeanty to the Bijan Robinson-Jahmyr Gibbs duo that went in the Top 12 in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bears could be eyeing Hampton at 10, especially amid interest from the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 overall.
Bears may need to draft Omarion Hampton after latest NFL Draft rumors
While Hampton is far from a burner that is going to light the field on fire with his exceptional speed, teams seem to largely be unconcerned by his lack of great speed and his lack of great receiving potential. Hampton's ability to grind out yards between the tackles is held in high regard.
Hampton is more than just a one-cut bruiser, as he has shown some exceptional ability to weave through tackles on the back of his strong vision. An ultra-consistent runner, Hampton topped 1,500 yards on the ground in both of his final two seasons with the Tar Heels.
Even if the Bears don't end up getting rid of D'Andre Swift, adding Hampton to the mix could give Chicago the 1-2 punch they need to properly support Williams. Swift's elusiveness and Hampton's power could be one way for Johnson to replicate the Jahmyr Gibbs/David Montgomery pairing in Detroit.
Jeanty would be a home run pick who could be a consistent 1,000-yard rusher in the pros, but getting Hampton would be quite an interesting consolation prize if he isn't available for Chicago. Hampton doesn't seem like the type of player the Bears can bank on adding in the second round.