Is it a position of need?
Not as much as a year ago, when the Bolts drafted Hampton with the No. 22 pick.
Sikkema told Chargers.com that he doesn’t foresee the Bolts using a high pick in the backfield as they did in 2025, especially considering the group that currently exists right now.
“When I look at running back, I actually like the room they have,” Sikkema said. “Omarion is a really talented player … and easily has lead-back potential, no doubt about it.
“Kimnai Vidal is also somebody who can play at a really high level and I love the Keaton Mitchell add as well to add some more speed into that offense for Mike McDaniel,” Sikkema added. “I’d put running back pretty low on the needs for the Chargers at this point.”
Key Questions for 2026
1. What do you think about Omarion Hampton’s fit with Mike McDaniel?
“This is a player who I think, first and foremost, is a powerful back. When you hit him, you feel it. When he lowers his shoulder, he has the ability to have a lot of yards after contact. When you saw him fully healthy [in 2025], you saw that at an NFL level. He plays with power but he’ll give you quick footwork and the long speed as well. Now he’s going to be asked to get to the outside and read rushing lanes and read his keys … I’m excited to see him round out his game more with more zone-rushing plays with McDaniel.”
2. How do you think Keaton Mitchell fits with the Chargers?
“It’s that speed and explosiveness. I remember watching Mitchell when he was at [East Carolina University] and thinking, ‘This dude is a future NFL player.’ The way he moves and explodes, if he gets to the sideline then he can erase angles and really take runs to the house.”
3. Where do you think the run starts on running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft?
“It’s really tough to tell. I think maybe the back end of the third round, then the fourth round and even into the fifth round, as well. That’s when you’re really going to see a lot of these guys go.”