A 'Thunder and Lightning' Backfield?
HC Jim Harbaugh has described the Chargers’ backfield as a “thunder and lightning” group of Hampton, Kimani Vidal, and Keaton Mitchell.
Hampton still projects as the clear lead back, but Mitchell looks like a good bet for change-of-pace work. New OC Mike McDaniel pushed the Chargers to add Mitchell in free agency, signaling the team has a specific role in mind for his speed.
Vidal remains in the mix after handling Hampton’s replacement volume, but he didn’t make much of an efficiency case. Among 49 RBs with 100+ carries, he ranked:
- 31st in yards per carry
- 34th in missed tackles forced per rush
- 36th in yards after contact per attempt
- 37th in success rate
Hampton averaged 3.6 catches per game as a rookie after posting 29 and 38 catches over his final two seasons at North Carolina. Current projections have him for 56.1 targets, good for 13th among RBs. His projected target share of 9.8% ranks sixth on a deep Chargers unit.
We’ll keep an eye on his pass protection after he finished 39th among 40 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade. Prolonged struggles in that area could reduce his passing-game usage.
Pieces Are in Place for a Strong Unit
The offense on whole looks strong, with QB Justin Herbert and a deep pass-catching corps that features Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, and Oronde Gadsden II.
The bigger question is the O-line. LT Rashawn Slater missed last season with a torn patellar tendon, while RT Joe Alt missed 11 games with an ankle injury. Both are on track for training camp, and offseason additions C Tyler Biadasz, G Cole Strange, and Round 2 rookie G Jake Slaughter should help improve the unit.
McDaniel Brings a Proven Scheme
Mike McDaniel’s Miami units ranked sixth, 18th, eighth, and 24th in run rate. We’re projecting the Chargers at a 42.8% run rate, which would have ranked 12th last season and marks a nice jump from their 31st-place finish (33.0%) in 2025.
McDaniel also got big RB production with De’Von Achane, as Miami finished first, sixth, and sixth in RB PPR points over the past three seasons. The lone dud was 2022, when a 30-year-old Raheem Mostert led the backfield and Miami finished 19th.
Hampton also fits the athletic profile for McDaniel’s outside-zone scheme. He weighed 221 pounds at the Combine and still posted an 81st-percentile 40-yard dash with a 68th-percentile 10-yard split.
Paths to Ceiling
Hampton brings a Round 1 pedigree and a skill set we compared to Matt Forte’s coming out of college. The ceiling case has him pushing close to a workhorse role behind an O-line that should be much better.
A healthy Justin Herbert would only raise the scoring ceiling and give Hampton a real shot at cracking the top-5 at his position.
Risk Factors
There’s also a chance McDaniel leans into a rotation after stumping for speed back Keaton Mitchell.
McDaniel’s preference could determine whether Hampton pushes for a high-end RB1 finish or settles into RB2 range.
Health matters too. Hampton played just nine games last season and has suffered two ankle fractures since 2021.
