The Los Angeles Rams have a history of unearthing undrafted free agent (UDFA) talent, with players such as Alaric Jackson and Omar Speights becoming key contributors. In the 2025 NFL offseason, one UDFA stands out as a potential diamond in the rough: North Carolina interior offensive lineman Willie Lampkin. Despite his undersized frame, Lampkin’s elite technique, relentless work ethic, and proven production against top competition make him a prime candidate to not only make the Rams’ 53-man roster but also become a valuable asset. Lampkin’s journey and his unique skill set make him an intriguing UDFA. The question is, where does he fit?
A Unique Prospect with a Wrestling Edge
Willie Lampkin, standing at 5’10” and weighing approximately 279 pounds, is an outlier among NFL offensive linemen, where size often dictates draft stock. His diminutive stature likely contributed to his undrafted status, but Lampkin’s game tape and accolades tell a different story. A former wrestler, Lampkin credits his grappling background for his exceptional leverage, hand placement, and ability to anchor against larger opponents. “The Senior Bowl proved I’m capable of blocking those bigger-bodied defensive linemen,” Lampkin said 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.”
Lampkin’s college career spanned Coastal Carolina and North Carolina, where he started 61 games across three positions (guard, center, and tackle), showcasing remarkable versatility. At North Carolina, he earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2024 and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the conference’s best blocker. His 2024 PFF grades were stellar, ranking first among guards with an overall grade of 84.8 and a pass-blocking grade of 88.8. These metrics highlight his dominance, even against top-tier competition.
Senior Bowl Stardom and Analyst Praise
Lampkin’s performance at the 2025 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, was a turning point. Facing elite prospects like first-round defensive tackle Walter Nolen (selected with the 16th pick), Lampkin held his own, proving his size was no barrier to competing at the highest level. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein lauded Lampkin’s tape, stating, “When it comes to the three phases of a run block (positioning/sustain/finish), Lampkin has the best tape I’ve studied of any prospect in the 2025 draft. He’s tremendously quick and athletic to beat defenders to the spot laterally or to climb and connect in space.” Zierlein’s enthusiasm was echoed by others, with one X post from @CTM_Show quoting him saying, “He’s the best guard tape that I’ve seen so far,” during a discussion with PFF analysts Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson.
The Rams got an absolute STEAL with UDFA Willie Lampkin 🔥
— Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson (@CTM_Show) May 1, 2025
"He's the best guard tape that I've seen so far…"@LanceZierlein chats with @StevePalazzolo_ and @SamMonsonNFL 👇 pic.twitter.com/aKYmgvaEHF
PFF named Lampkin their “UDFA to watch” for the Rams, noting his ability to overcome size concerns with technical prowess and tenacity. Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski went further, declaring, “North Carolina’s Willie Lampkin is simply too good of a football player not to make the Los Angeles Rams’ roster.” Sobleski highlighted Lampkin’s ability to impress at the Senior Bowl and his potential to serve as a swing interior blocker, capable of playing guard or center. The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner also singled out Lampkin as the Rams’ top UDFA, emphasizing his “violent hands and natural leverage” and suggesting that, if he were three inches taller, he would have been a drafted player.
Why Lampkin Fits the Rams’ Mold
The Rams’ success with UDFAs stems from their willingness to overlook physical shortcomings in favor of production and fit within their system. Lampkin’s profile aligns perfectly with this philosophy. The Rams’ offensive line, while solid in 2024, faced injury challenges, and depth remains a priority. With starting guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson likely entrenched, Lampkin’s path to the roster lies as a backup or potential swing lineman, roles where his versatility across guard and center positions is a significant asset.
Lampkin’s technical excellence—marked by precise hand placement, quick feet, and relentless effort—complements the Rams’ zone-heavy rushing scheme under head coach Sean McVay. His athleticism allows him to pull and block in space, a critical skill for McVay’s offense, which relies on linemen who can move laterally and engage second-level defenders. One analyst noted, “There is a mountain of fight and confidence in Rams 5-foot-10 IOL Willie Lampkin,” underscoring his competitive mentality.
Moreover, the Rams have a precedent for developing undersized linemen. Alaric Jackson, a 2021 UDFA, overcame modest expectations to become the team’s starting left tackle, signing a three-year, $57 million deal. Lampkin’s 6.00 draft profile grade from PFF surpasses Jackson’s 5.84, suggesting he could follow a similar trajectory. The Rams’ creative coaching staff, led by McVay, could also explore unconventional roles for Lampkin, such as an H-back or fullback, similar to how the Baltimore Ravens utilize Patrick Ricard.
Challenges and Competition
Despite the hype, Lampkin faces an uphill battle. His size remains a concern in the NFL, where interior linemen typically stand over 6’2” and weigh 300+ pounds. The Rams’ starting interior line, including Avila, Dotson, and center Coleman Shelton, is established, leaving Lampkin to compete for a backup role against other UDFAs. His ability to play center, where his shorter stature is less of a disadvantage, may be his best shot, but he’ll need to prove he can handle NFL-caliber defensive tackles consistently.
Training camp will be critical. Lampkin’s Senior Bowl performance suggests he can hang with top competition, but he must replicate that dominance in pads against the Rams’ defensive front, which includes Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, Jared Verse, and Byron Young. His wrestling-honed toughness and “mountain of fight” will be tested, but analysts believe his work ethic gives him an edge.
The Buzz on X and Beyond
The excitement around Lampkin extends to social media, particularly X, where fans and analysts have championed his potential. A post from @dmarkholt12 on March 18, 2025, admitted, “I’m sorry Willie Lampkin, I was unfamiliar with your game. The biggest outlier size-wise there’s been, but his tape is legit. If he was 6’3 300 he would be a 1st round pick.” Another post from @SamMonsonNFL noted Lampkin’s wingspan, which, at an inch longer than 6’6” tackle Will Campbell’s, defies his small frame. These sentiments reflect a growing consensus that Lampkin’s skills transcend his measurements.
Web sources have also highlighted Lampkin’s potential, with LAFB Network calling him “one of the most intriguing undrafted free agents of the 2025 NFL offseason.” Sports Illustrated emphasized his fit with the Rams’ UDFA-friendly culture, suggesting he could be “the next Rams’ undrafted star.”
Film Breakdown: Willie Lampkin Proves Size Doesn’t Matter
A Potential Steal for the Rams
Willie Lampkin’s journey from overlooked prospect to UDFA darling embodies the Rams’ knack for finding hidden gems. His elite tape, Senior Bowl performance, and wrestling-fueled tenacity make him a standout in a crowded 2025 UDFA class that includes 17 Rams signees. While his size poses challenges, his technical mastery and versatility position him as a strong contender for a roster spot, potentially as a backup center or guard with long-term starter upside.
As Bleacher Report’s Sobleski put it, “Lampkin easily produced some of the best tape seen from any prospect this past season.” If he continues to defy expectations, Lampkin could join the ranks of Rams UDFA legends, proving that heart and skill can outweigh inches and pounds.
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