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Drake Maye’s UNC teammate says it’d be ‘amazing’ to team up again with Patriots
"When he was at UNC, he always had me under his wing. It would be an amazing experience.”
The 2025 Patriots have several holes on their roster. Running back isn’t necessarily one of them — not with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson set to return.
But as New England looks to surround Drake Maye with plenty of offensive talent in the years ahead, could the Patriots turn to one of Maye’s former collegiate teammates in the upcoming NFL Draft?
Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, UNC running back Omarion Hampton confirmed that he’s had some meetings with New England — and added that a scenario where he teams up with Maye again would be very appealing.
“Drake Maye, that’s my guy. He’s a dog. Seeing him do what he’s doing right now — it’s amazing to see. … It would be amazing,” Hampton said of joining New England. “Being around him all the time. When he was at UNC, he always had me under his wing. It would be an amazing experience.”
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Hampton was one of Maye’s most dependable playmakers during his time in Chapel Hill, rushing for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns during Maye’s final season with the Tar Heels in 2023.
Even when Maye made the jump to the NFL ranks, Hampton continued to carve out defenses in 2024, rushing for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 38 catches for 373 yards and another two TDs.
Maye — who shouted out Hampton on social media following the running back’s 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine — could use a versatile weapon like Hampton, especially given his familiarity with him.
But even with New England’s dearth of playmakers, Hampton may not be a viable option for the Patriots.
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Hampton is considered the No. 2 running back in this draft class behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, with multiple mock drafts placing him as an second-round pick.
New England does have a pick near the top of the second round (No. 38), so they could conceivably be in the mix when Hampton is about to be taken off the board.
But even if New England does land a blue-chip prospect with the No. 4 pick in the draft, this Patriots’ depth chart has so many flaws in place that it doesn’t have the luxury to hone in on a running back in the second round.
New England’s most pressing need this offseason revolves around the offensive line. But beyond the need to win battles in the trenches and protect Maye, New England could also stand to upgrade its receiver corps while also adding pass-rushing talent.
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