The NFL landscape is built on evolution. Talent rises, situations change, and dynasty rankings shift as swiftly as a Sunday red zone alert. What is one of the most compelling storylines entering the 2025 season? The changing tides in the young running back class, specifically the potential overtaking of De’Von Achane by 2025 rookie Omarion Hampton.
Let’s lay the groundwork.
Achane’s Electric Start: But at a Crossroads
De’Von Achane entered the NFL league as the 84th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the sixth running back off the board. Despite an injury-plagued rookie season, Achane managed to finish as the RB24, a remarkable achievement given his limited availability. His explosiveness was undeniable.
Fast-forward to 2024: a healthy Achane posted 907 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, adding another six receiving scores on 592 receiving yards, which is good for an elite 6.8 yards per touch (YPT). He ranked fifth in efficiency among all NFL running backs, proving he wasn’t a fluke but a legitimate weapon.
However, context matters. While explosive on paper, Miami’s offense is starting to show cracks beneath the surface. Tua Tagovailoa’s recurring concussion concerns cast a long-term shadow over the team’s stability. Tyreek Hill is openly disgruntled. The offensive line continues to underperform, and Miami’s offseason was more underwhelming than trending upward. As defenses shift their game plan toward “Stop Achane, stall Miami”, Achane’s upside is beginning to feel capped by the system rather than elevated.
Enter Omarion Hampton: Built for Immediate Dominance
Contrast that with Omarion Hampton, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of North Carolina. Taken as the second running back off the board, Hampton steps into a franchise that is clearly building something sustainable and dangerous.
He has everything you want in a modern feature back: size, balance, burst, and reliable hands. But more importantly, Hampton’s landing spot provides fertile ground for fantasy stardom and real-life production. A stable, ascending quarterback. A top-tier offensive line. Perimeter wide receivers that will command defensive respect and create lighter boxes. This is a blueprint not just for success, but for immediate impact.
Think Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023. Day 1 snap 1, Hampton will be on the field making plays and shouldering a significant workload. And while Najee Harris might be present in name, he won’t be a barrier. Hampton will not merely split time; he’ll command touches.
The 2025 Shift
By the time the 2025 season wraps, the narrative could be rewritten entirely. Hampton has the skill set, opportunity, and offensive infrastructure to take over as the fifth-best running back from the 2023-2025 combined draft classes, nudging out Achane.
That’s not an indictment on Achane’s talent; it reflects football’s reality. Talent thrives in systems that support it. While Achane dazzles in flashes, Hampton is positioned to deliver consistency and command in a rising offense.
In dynasty formats, redraft leagues, and real-world impact, expect Omarion Hampton to take the leap. The next name up in the RB elite tier isn’t chasing stats. He’s walking into a perfect storm.
Thanks for checking out this DFF exclusive article! I can be reached on the DFF Discord, where our team of experts is ready to answer all your dynasty and devy-related questions. #DFFArmy #AlwaysBeBuilding
