NFL analyst says Rams' UDFA was one of the best at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft
NFL analyst says Rams' UDFA was one of the best at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein couldn't believe what he was saying when he watched tape North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton on a recent flight ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
While watching the soon-to-be first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, Zierlein said he kept seeing standout plays from UNC's right guard, Willie Lampkin. Despite his smaller frame (6-1, 285 pounds), Lampkin was consistently holding his blocks and opening running lanes for Hampton.
'He's the best guard tape that I've seen so far... and that's not hyperbole," Zierlein said on Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson. "Had he been 6-foot-4, or even 6-3-and-a half probably, 312 pounds, he's probably a first-round pick.'
Instead, the Rams signed Lampkin and 16 undrafted free agents after the 2025 NFL Draft. And if Zierlein is to be believed, Lampkin could be another steal for the Rams.
Lampkin was a consistent starter all throughout college. He played in 61 collegiate games (38 at Coastal Carolina and 23 at UNC) and, as Zierlein noted, a great run-blocker for Hampton.
The Rams have had a lot of success with UDFAs in recent years, too. Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who just signed a huge extension, went undrafted. Starting inside linebacker Omar Speights wasn't draft either.
Lampkin has some competition to make the team. While he wouldn't supplant Kevin Dotson anytime soon, he'll need to beat out KT Leveston and fellow UDFA Ben Dooley. Zierlein has a lot of faith in him, though.
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