The Denver Broncos could draft Omarion Hampton in the first round.

Especially if they are zeroed in on a running back and top college prospect Ashton Jeanty from Boise State is already gone when Denver selects at No. 20.

Hampton is considered the second-best back in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but is he a good enough receiver to be that “joker” Sean Payton needs?

The Denver Broncos could draft Omarion Hampton in the first round

2024 was a mixed bag for the Broncos.

They outperformed expectations and made it to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. And the defense was certainly better than expected, too, finishing third-best in points allowed.

But the offense lagged behind. There simply weren’t enough playmakers to truly push teams like the elite Buffalo Bills offense does. And the biggest issue was the complete lack of a running game.

That’s why many in Broncos Country want the team to take a running back in the first round.

Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy finalist, is the best back of the class. And while many have mocked him to Denver, there’s little hope he falls to No. 20 overall.

If he doesn’t fall, and Payton wants to take a running back, the Denver Broncos could draft Omarion Hampton.

Hampton, a bruiser of a back, was mentioned as a fit for the Broncos by Matthew Berry in his 25 things he heard at the NFL Combine.

Finally, some quick hitters from all the open press conferences. In other words, this is not “sources” but rather my interpretation for what coaches and GMs said on the record, in front of the press: What’s the old saying? If you have a lot of running backs, you don’t have any. Listening to Sean Payton, it doesn’t sound like he really likes any of his guys. I don’t think Ashton Jeanty lasts until their pick, but would not be shocked to see them take Omarion Hampton or another elite RB early…

Javonte Williams had a down year for Denver, and they decided to go running back by committee. Jaleel McLaughlin added burst as a speed buy and Audric Estime got some run as a downhill guy.

But Bo Nix was actually the team’s second-leading runner with 430 yards, and his 4 touchdowns matched Williams’. Williams is now a free agent, making a big change at the position even more likely.

Hampton led the ACC in running last two years at North Carolina

The young man out of North Carolina is nothing if not consistent.

In 2023 he ran for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns, each leading the ACC. In 2024, he exceeded his yard mark a bit, finishing with 1,660 yards and 15 scores. Each season he averaged a stellar 5.9 yards per carry on the ground.

Longtime draft analyst Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compares him to Rhamondre Stevenson and loves his downhill running ability.

And Hampton impressed at the NFL Combine. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, which is really moving for a guy who is 6’0″ and 221 pounds. His total score was an 85 as provided by NFL Next Gen Stats, which was 4th-best among running backs this year.

Payton said his “joker” needs to be an elite receiver at running back or tight end. Hampton finished 2024 with 38 receptions for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those are solid numbers, but not eye-popping.

Joey Richards of Lets Talk Broncos is high on Hampton and how he would fit with the Broncos, too.

Ultimately, tight end and running back are certainly in the mix for Denver’s first round pick. Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland are possibilities at No. 20, especially Loveland as Warren is expected to go higher.

And what the Broncos do in free agency will also help determine what they do in the draft.

Aaron Jones is one intriguing option as a free agent back. But it’s unknown if Denver is interested in going that route or not.

The NFL league year starts in one week from today, on March 12 at 2 p.m. MT. That’s when the Broncos can start signing free agents and the draft strategy picture will become clearer.