Willie Lampkin is on the verge of his first NFL start, and the Eagles are giving the undersized lineman a real chance to prove that size is only part of the equation.
With Lane Johnson retired and Cam Jurgens traded, Philadelphia is reshuffling up front. Lampkin is working at left guard with the starting offensive line at practice today, according to reporters on the scene, and he could also wind up at center. Either way, he appears headed for a starting role Sunday against the Jaguars in London.
For Lampkin, this moment has been building for a while. He spent five years as a college starter on the offensive line, and at North Carolina in 2024 he put together a résumé that included first-team All-American honors and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s best offensive lineman. On paper, that sounds like the profile of a highly sought-after draft pick.
Then came the measurements. At North Carolina’s Pro Day, Lampkin checked in at just under 5-foot-11 and 279 pounds. That’s not the body type NFL teams usually chase at offensive line, and he went undrafted.
The Rams saw enough to bring him in as an undrafted rookie, and he immediately made noise in the preseason by overpowering bigger defensive linemen and turning heads around the league. His run there ended when he was injured late in the preseason, and the Rams waived him with an injury designation.
That opened the door for an unusual move from Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman, who liked Lampkin enough to claim him. The result sent Lampkin to Philadelphia, where he spent his rookie season without appearing in a game.
This summer, he again stood out in the preseason and drew praise from head coach Nick Sirianni. Lampkin then made the Eagles’ 53-man roster and has appeared in all four games this season, mostly on field goals and extra points.
Now the stage gets much bigger. He may still look unusual when he lines up on an NFL offensive line, but once the ball is snapped and the contact starts, Lampkin has already shown he can fit right in.
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