Welcome Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (R1, Pick 22)

[dmac_bolt]

When Gus Edwards got cut and Najee got signed (shorty after) I had a feeling that Najee was an Edwards-replacement... not a Dobbins-replacement. I had a feeling that the draft would bring Dobbins' replacement. I was hoping that Omarion Hampton would be that replacement. Needless to say, I'm pretty happy with the RB room. It will be the engine that drives the offense. Can't wait to see if Zion's move to center is the answer to the IOL. Replacing Pipkins with Becton was a great move. Can't wait to see how this unit looks against live bodies in pre-season.

Sounds like Salyer is making progress in competing for LG in camp.

[CanadianBoltFan]

Sounds like Salyer is making progress in competing for LG in camp.

That would be a nice development to have a real competition. If Zion can handle center, I would like to see Bozeman get pushed out of the starting line up

[Boltjolt]

I see Najee as better than both Gus and Dobbins. And Omarion is even better.

I don't think Najee is better than Dobbins but he is more durable and that matters. I hate Dobbins is now a Bronco.

[sonorajim]

I don't think Najee is better than Dobbins but he is more durable and that matters. I hate Dobbins is now a Bronco.

Until July 4th Najee was totally reliable and may be better in this offense than he was at Pit. Dobbins would get what is blocked but you have to get him started and no telling when he'd start missing games. I was happy to get Najee and his 1,000 yds or better. Very happy.

[CanadianBoltFan]

Until July 4th Najee was totally reliable and may be better in this offense than he was at Pit. Dobbins would get what is blocked but you have to get him started and no telling when he'd start missing games. I was happy to get Najee and his 1,000 yds or better. Very happy.

I agree with Boltjolt though, Dobbins is the more talented back when healthy. I think if he was healthy from his rookie season on this is a top 5 back in NFL, was a force in college and averaged 6 yards a carry hs first 2 years in NFL. Najee is a 3.9 guy.

[powderblueboy]

That would be a nice development to have a real competition. If Zion can handle center, I would like to see Bozeman get pushed out of the starting line up

I can live with Bozeman at LG, provided that he brings a lot of savvy to the position and Zion is a quality center.

You can't have 5 studs along the Oline .... well, you can, but offenses function perfectly well with the above scenario.

Now, if Bozeman does the same things that he did at center, and is slow to recognize ...

[powderblueboy]

I agree with Boltjolt though, Dobbins is the more talented back when healthy. I think if he was healthy from his rookie season on this is a top 5 back in NFL, was a force in college and averaged 6 yards a carry hs first 2 years in NFL. Najee is a 3.9 guy.

I would also agree: Dobbins is the better back.

But I think the issue was that Dobbins was not the style of back suited to Roman's offense and Harbaugh's philosophy: getting the tough yards and moving the chains.
Alot of Dobbins yardage came on big plays in the 4rth, where he would cut back outside.

[dmac_bolt]

I would also agree: Dobbins is the better back.

But I think the issue was that Dobbins was not the style of back suited to Roman's offense and Harbaugh's philosophy: getting the tough yards and moving the chains.
Alot of Dobbins yardage came on big plays in the 4rth, where he would cut back outside.

with last year’s blocking, his style was the only one that worked. It’s not he would cut back, he HAD to cut back. Holes were seldom where they were supposed to be.

Maybe better blocking this year changes that. Maybe Roman’s offensive suiting should be to fix that as much or more than worry about who has the rock. A plan to just have a bigger stronger back plow through defenders you don’t block is not an NFL winning strategy.

its no exaggeration to say the ENTIRE 2025 offensive success is predicated on the OL playing better both run and pass.

[Boltjolt]

I would also agree: Dobbins is the better back.

But I think the issue was that Dobbins was not the style of back suited to Roman's offense and Harbaugh's philosophy: getting the tough yards and moving the chains.
Alot of Dobbins yardage came on big plays in the 4rth, where he would cut back outside.

Um, Dobbins played in Romans offense in Baltimore and did very well. He just got injured. Dobbins has good vision and is faster and quicker than Najee.
Not that Harris won't be good for us but imo he isn't as good as Dobbins.

Dobbins had a 4.6 ypc with us. I don't think anyone else had even a 4 ypc, most were well below.
Herbert don't count as a RB. When Dobbuns went down the run game hardly existed

[sonorajim]

Um, Dobbins played in Romans offense in Baltimore and did very well. He just got injured. Dobbins has good vision and is faster and quicker than Najee.
Not that Harris won't be good for us but imo he isn't as good as Dobbins.

Dobbins had a 4.6 ypc with us. I don't think anyone else had even a 4 ypc, most were well below.
Herbert don't count as a RB. When Dobbuns went down the run game hardly existed

OK Dobbins is better- when and if he is fully healthy.
Based on the best ability is availability, Harris is the better back.

We'll see. I suspect that while Harris lacks Dobbins top speed, he may improve his ypc as a Charger.

[powderblueboy]

Um, Dobbins played in Romans offense in Baltimore and did very well. He just got injured. Dobbins has good vision and is faster and quicker than Najee.
Not that Harris won't be good for us but imo he isn't as good as Dobbins.

Dobbins had a 4.6 ypc with us. I don't think anyone else had even a 4 ypc, most were well below.
Herbert don't count as a RB. When Dobbuns went down the run game hardly existed

I guess they wanted upgrades to both backs from last year: Harris for Edwards and Hampton for Dobbins.

If they didn't draft Hampton, they might have reconnected with Dobbins.

Hampton was in their very small cluster.

[AK47]

I guess they wanted upgrades to both backs from last year: Harris for Edwards and Hampton for Dobbins.

If they didn't draft Hampton, they might have reconnected with Dobbins.

Hampton was in their very small cluster.

Against the Broncos we need to advise Hampton that hey....Denver needed a running back but picked a CB and our former starting RB instead.

Go feast!!!