Two rookie running backs, Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton, were selected in the first round by the Raiders and Chargers, respectively. Despite the initial excitement, both players have reportedly seen little to no action, leaving fans puzzled by this “weird trend.”
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Rising Stars
Raiders, Chargers used 1st-round picks on Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton and then forgot to use the rookie RBs
Photo by Sporting News
Key Takeaways:
- The Raiders and Chargers each used a first-round pick on a rookie running back.
- Ashton Jeanty (Raiders) and Omarion Hampton (Chargers) remain underutilized thus far.
- Observers describe this lack of usage as “weird” or unexpected.
- The report comes from Sporting News, credited to Billy Heyen.
- The story was published on September 16, 2025.
The First-Round Picks
The Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers made notable moves in the NFL Draft by selecting Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton. Both running backs brought promising resumes and were expected to play key roles right away.
Low Usage, High Curiosity
Since their high-profile selections, Jeanty and Hampton have seen little playing time. Fans and analysts alike have remarked on the surprising absence of these rookies from the offensive plans, given both teams’ investment in first-round picks.
A “Weird Trend” for Rookies
In the words of the original report, this situation is “a weird trend for the rookies.” There has been no clear explanation for why these backs remain on the sidelines, despite having talent that merited early-round selections.
Potential Impact on Teams
Though the details behind the coaching decisions are unclear, first-round picks generally come with high expectations. While the long-term effects remain to be seen, the unusual lack of utilization for Jeanty and Hampton is raising eyebrows around the league and prompting further questions about each team’s strategy moving forward.
