Latest news with #WillieLampkin
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
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.
USA Today
04-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst thinks this Rams UDFA could make the 53-man roster
NFL analyst thinks this Rams UDFA could make the 53-man roster The Los Angeles Rams have had a lot of success in the undrafted free agent market in recent years between starting tackle Alaric Jackson and impending starting inside linebacker Omar Speights. L.A. signed 17 more UDFAs this offseason, and history has shown that one of them could earn a 53-man roster spot. Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski writes that North Carolina interior offensive lineman Willie Lampkin has the best chance to be that man for the Rams. "North Carolina's Willie Lampkin is simply too good of a football player not to make the Los Angeles Rams' roster," Sobleski writes. "Lampkin easily produced some of the best tape seen from any prospect this past season. At 5'10" and 280 pounds, he's a severe outlier. Still, his size deficiencies weren't as issue at the Senior Bowl when facing other all-star-caliber NFL prospects. If anything, Lampkin came out of that event looking even more impressive. "Now, the question is whether Lampkin can play anything other than center at the highest level. Honestly, the evaluation process had pegged him as pivot because of his size despite starting 35 collegiate games between the two guard sports. "Watch the undrafted free agent continue to impress and find a way to become the Rams' primary swing interior blocker." This isn't the first time Lampkin earned praise this offseason. Two other analysts think Lampkin is a great fit for the Rams. He had great tape at North Carolina and looked good at the Senior Bowl. The issue, as Sobleski wrote, is Lampkin's size. He's under 6-feet and 300 pounds — both unideal measurements for an interior offensive lineman. While Lampkin isn't expected to earn a starting role anytime soon, he could develop into a nice backup lineman for the Rams in the future ... if he makes the roster.
USA Today
05-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chiefs scouting report: North Carolina Tar Heels C Willie Lampkin
Chiefs scouting report: North Carolina Tar Heels C Willie Lampkin Every Willie Lampkin 1-on-1 from the Senior Bowl — James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 30, 2025 The Kansas City Chiefs suffered setbacks along their offensive line in 2024 and made several moves this offseason to remake the position group. The team still needs to invest one or more selections in offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL draft. North Carolina Tar Heels guard Willie Lampkin's trophy shelf includes a freshman All-American selection from 2020 and five all-conference selections, including first team bids in the Sun Belt and ACC. He's one of the most decorated guards in recent history but faces an uphill battle to play a significant role in the NFL. Lampkin enters the draft with significant starting experience at left guard, right guard and center. He amassed more than 4,100 offensive snaps throughout his college career, and that experience translates to polished technique and quick processing. Unfortunately, Lampkin is only 5'10 3/8", 270 lbs. That makes him one of the rarest historical outliers to enter the draft in modern history. Lampkin slightly redeems his frame with 32" arms, but his lack of size and mass cause some significant problems. He needs to throw his full weight into blocks to cause displacement, but defenders take advantage of his forward momentum and slip past him. Lampkin plays with natural leverage and a wide base that he resets to gradually weaken and halt bull rushes. He plays with an aggressive, mauling mentality that sets the tone for the offensive line. His background as a former Florida Class 7A state championship wrestler shows up in how he grapples with and pancakes defensive linemen. Lampkin attacks with excellent strike timing and strong hands that latch onto the defender and take control of the play. He uses advanced independent hand usage that makes defensive linemen look foolish. His lateral agility and foot speed help him mirror defenders and maintain the pocket. Lampkin uncoils from his stance and drives power through his hips in the run game. His powerful leg drive generates movement against much larger players. He moves with the agility and fluidity to operate in a gap or wide zone scheme. Lampkin picks off linebackers at the second level and mirrors defenders in space. Lampkin breaks all of the NFL's size thresholds. The league didn't draft UCLA edge rusher Gabriel Murphy last year because of his arm length despite him checking other thresholds. It seems unlikely that decision-makers will look favorably at Lampkin either. At best, he's a late Day 3 pick who will play fullback and see action in some scenario-specific packages.
