Rams UDFA Willie Lampkin wasn't concerned with his size ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft
Rams UDFA Willie Lampkin wasn't concerned with his size ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft
The Los Angeles Rams signed one of the most intriguing undrafted free agents in North Carolina offensive guard Willie Lampkin Jr. this offseason.
While the experienced lineman had great tape during his college career, Lampkin was one of the smallest players at his position at 5-foot-10 and 270 pounds of the at Senior Bowl. But before he had to wait until after every name was called on draft day, Lampkin told The Draft Network's Justin Melo that his size has never mattered in his performance on the field.
"The Senior Bowl proved I'm capable of blocking those bigger-bodied defensive linemen," Lampkin said a month before the draft. "I proved I have a strong anchor. I know that's a big question a lot of teams and scouts had about me because of my size, especially with me weighing 270. I know they were scared for me. They thought I was really light. Can he anchor against guys who weigh 340, 350 pounds? I proved I could. I definitely feel like I answered that question for them."
Lampkin has highly regarded before and after the draft for his interior blocking skills, and he attributed his success to his experience as a wrestler.
"My wrestling background helps a ton," Lampkin said. "I play with great hand placement and terrific leverage. I have great feet and a dog mentality as well. I have a well-rounded skill set."
Lampkin is a longshot to make the roster but has a chance if the Rams believe he'd be a good depth piece for the offensive line. There isn't much stable competition ahead of him at guard at the moment, so there could be an opportunity if Lampkin shows up in camps this summer.
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