The Los Angeles Chargers need a starting running back as JK Dobbins is potentially leaving the team in Free Agency. Regardless of whether Dobbins leaves the Bolts in free agency or not, finding depth in the running back room could elevate the Chargers’ offense even further. Here is a group of running backs that the Los Angeles Chargers could target in each round.
Los Angeles Chargers Draft: Running Backs In All 7 Rounds
Chargers Draft 1st Round: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Omarion Hampton is currently ranked as the 2nd best running back and the 25th overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft according to PFF. Hampton has been shooting up draft boards in recent months. The 6’1” 220-pound running back spent three seasons with North Carolina where he became a focal point of the Tarheel offense.
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Hampton finished his career with 622 carries, 3565 total rushing yards, and 40 touchdowns during his three-year college career at North Carolina. His best performance this past season was arguably against Florida State where Hampton had 172 rushing yards, 93 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns. The running back has significant speed and power to be a dominant player in this league.
Chargers Draft 2nd Round: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Kaleb Johnson is currently the 5th ranked running back and the 54th overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft according to PFF. The former Hawkeye dominated the line of scrimmage throughout his college career. The 6’0” 225 pound running back spent all three years of college with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Johnson ended his career with 508 carries, 2779 rushing yards, and 32 touchdowns. Johnson’s best game this past season came from his performance against Minnesota where he had 21 carries, 206 yards, and 3 touchdowns in the win over the Gophers. Johnson has the potential to be an every-down back with a massive upside.
Chargers Draft 3rd Round: Devin Neal, Kansas
Devin Neal is currently the 8th-ranked running back and the 89th overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft according to PFF. Neal is coming off his best season in the 2024 season with the Jayhawks. The 5’11” 215 pound running back spent all four years of his career with the Kansas Jayhawks.
Neal finished his career with 760 carries, 4343 rushing yards, and 53 touchdowns during his four-year college career. In a game against Colorado, Neal led the Jayhawks to a win where he put up 207 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns. While being slightly undersized, Neal has proven he can play at an exceptional level.
Chargers Draft 4th Round: Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
Jarquez Hunter is currently the 14th-ranked running back and the 139th overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft according to PFF. Hunter is an urban legend in Auburn, Alabama as he enters the draft this season. The 5’10” 209-pound running back spent four seasons at Auburn University where he served as a feature back each season he played with the Tigers.
Hunter finished his college career with 539 carries, 3371 rushing yards, and 29 touchdowns. Hunter improved each year as a Tiger where he dominated in a matchup against Kentucky this past season where he put up 278 rushing yards on 12.1 yards a carry and 2 touchdowns. Hunter offers plenty of experience at a high level which could lead to plenty of success in the NFL.
Chargers Draft 5th Round: Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
Tahj Brooks is currently the 21st-ranked running back and the 188th overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft according to PFF. Brooks was the focal point of the Red Raider offense this past season. The 5’10” 230-pound running back played 5 seasons with Texas Tech where he became the leader in career rushing yards for Texas Tech marking a historical career in Lubbock, Texas.
In his 5-year college career, Brooks had 879 carries, 4560 rushing yards, and 47 touchdowns as a Red Raider. Brooks dominated in a performance against Oklahoma State this season where he had 133 rushing yards, 65 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns. Brooks is a late-round prospect who could take the league by surprise with his ability to run the ball.
Chargers Draft 6th Round: Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
Ollie Gordon II is currently the 22nd-ranked running back and the 192nd overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft according to PFF. Gordon had a letdown year with Oklahoma State as the team struggled to find success in the Big 12 which had his draft stock fall towards the later rounds. The running back spent all three years of his college career with Oklahoma State.
The former Cowboys produced 537 carries, 2920 rushing yards, and 40 touchdowns during his three-year tenure with Oklahoma State. While his 2024 season was less than remarkable, Gordon’s 2023 year was the best performance of arguably any running back in the NCAA where he put up 1732 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. If Gordon can find that level of success in the NFL, the Chargers could find themselves with the best back in the league.
Chargers Draft 7th Round: Raheim Sanders, South Carolina
Raheim Sanders is currently the 26th-ranked running back and the 251st overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft according to PFF. Sanders used his final year of eligibility to join a talented South Carolina squad that was one spot away from making the CFP. Sanders previously spent three years with Arkansas before joining the Gamecocks for his final season.
Sanders had an illustrious career where he had 581 carries, 3111 rushing yards, and 33 touchdowns in four seasons playing in the SEC. Rocket Sanders had a long 2023 season where he was forced to miss a majority of the year with a knee injury. The running back bounced back with a quality season playing for the Gamecocks. A question remains about how valuable Sanders can be after that big of an injury which places him as a 7th-round prospect.