The Los Angeles Rams suffered an unfortunate setback in their preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers last Saturday, as standout undrafted rookie Willie Lampkin is expected to miss “a few weeks” after injuring his knee and spraining his ankle, according to head coach Sean McVay.
While the timeline indicates the Rams avoided the worst-case scenario, the injury halts what had been a rapid rise for one of the more intriguing underdog stories of the preseason.
Lampkin, who went undrafted out of North Carolina, was quickly making a name for himself in camp and during preseason action. Despite concerns over his size, measuring just under 5’11” and weighing 290 pounds, Lampkin has displayed the same physicality and competitive drive that made him one of the most decorated interior linemen in the ACC. The Rams saw enough potential to sign him as a free agent, and so far, it’s paid dividends.
Who says short kings don’t have a place in the NFL?
Rams UDFA Gem Willie Lampkin Sidelined
If size weren’t a factor, Lampkin likely would have heard his name called on draft weekend. Yet, the NFL’s measurable obsession worked against him. Scouts and executives often emphasize length, weight, and arm size when evaluating offensive linemen, and Lampkin simply didn’t fit the mold. That perception caused him to slip out of the draft entirely.
But football is ultimately about performance, and Lampkin has wasted no time proving he belongs in the NFL. Playing at both center and guard, Lampkin has turned heads with his impressive leverage, toughness, and relentless energy in the trenches.
His breakout moment came in the Rams’ preseason debut against the Dallas Cowboys, when he piled up four pancake blocks in a single game. McVay took notice as well, praising Lampkin’s effort and ability to maximize his strengths.
“I thought he did a nice job,” McVay said after the game. “Obviously, he has great leverage, can get underneath people and be able to finish. That was what you loved about him at North Carolina, but just a competitor. He’s tough, he’s physical. He understands how to play to his strengths. I think he’s done a really good job, I thought a lot of guys did a nice job, but I was pleased with Willie.”
Fighting to Earn a Roster Spot
The reality for undrafted rookies is that the path to a roster spot is always steep, and for someone with Lampkin’s unconventional frame, the odds are even slimmer. However, the NFL is full of players who were once doubted due to measurables but carved out careers through resilience and on-field production.
And despite suffering those injuries, Lampkin’s tape and preseason work suggest he still has a solid shot of making the 53-man roster.
At just 23 years old, Lampkin has already proved that he has what it takes to keep up with bigger opponents. Whether he cracks the roster or earns a spot on the practice squad, his story serves as another reminder that heart and performance can outweigh size on the biggest stage.
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