In an exceedingly rare move, the Philadelphia Eagles are claiming undrafted rookie OL Willie Lampkin IV from the Los Angeles Rams. Lampkin was waived with injury designation, making his claim a surprising — and uncommon — choice.
Lampkin was trending towards making the roster in Los Angeles after putting together a fantastic training camp. The Rams’ staff had nothing but positive things to say about him, and they likely would brought him back once he’d recovered from his injury. Now, however, they won’t get the chance, as the Eagles made sure to scoop him up as soon as he became available.
In a corresponding move, the Eagles waived 2024 fifth-round pick G Trevor Keegan.
Willie Lampkin IV was a College Star
Lampkin’s list of accolades in college is a long one. He played left guard and left tackle for Coastal Carolina, making second-team All-Sun Belt two years in a row. After transferring to North Carolina, he played guard exclusively, making third-team All-ACC his first season in Chapel Hill.
His last year of college football was his best. Lampkin was named first-team All-ACC, first-team All-America, and won the Jacobs Blocking trophy as the best offensive lineman in the ACC. By every metric, Lampkin was an elite college player.
The reason Lampkin wasn’t drafted is purely because of his size. This isn’t some “arbitrary benchmark,” either — Lampkin was the smallest offensive lineman in Senior Bowl history. His size is such an outlier that it immediately prevents him from playing guard or tackle in the the NFL. His only chance was to move to center.
Even still, I was a huge fan of Lampkin pre-draft. I had him graded as a fourth-round prospect at center. The way he moves, uses masterful hand fighting techniques to control his assignment, and maximizes his leverage is true pro-level stuff. The Eagles got a good one.
The Philadelphia Eagles Needed More Interior Offensive Line Depth
Mitchell Leff/GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 29: Jack Driscoll #75 and Landon Dickerson #69 of the Philadelphia Eagles on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on December 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
In recent seasons, the Eagles have become known for their incredible depth along the offensive line. Eagles GM Howie Roseman, in particular, developed a reputation for getting ahead of future problems and loading up on quality players in the trenches to have them at the ready when called upon.
Due to some roster turnover in recent seasons, however, that depth has waned. Starting left guard Landon Dickerson dealt with a leg injury in camp, though it’s not expected to be a long-term issue. Still, the Eagles lack proven talent behind their three starters on the interior — Dickerson, C Cam Jurgens, and RG Tyler Steen.
To that end, Lampkin is a great add. He’s likely limited to playing center in the NFL, but he has plenty of experience at guard if needed in an emergency. He can continue to develop in time, and his ceiling is massive. Already one of the most technically skilled offensive linemen to enter the league this year, there’s a possibility he could start in future seasons.
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