Every year, there’s an undrafted rookie who captures the attention and interest of fans. Last year, that player was Willie Lampkin, the undersized offensive lineman who impressed in practice and part of the preseason before getting hurt. Lampkin was a standout blocker at North Carolina, but he went undrafted because he’s only 5-foot-11 and around 290 pounds. Despite playing well for the Rams last summer, the team still made the surprising decision to waive him with an injury designation. That didn’t stop the Eagles from claiming him, and ever since then, he’s been on the rise. Lampkin has turned heads in Eagles training camp, drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike. Head coach Nick Sirianni loves his versatility as a center and guard, calling him “really athletic” and a “smart guy.
Nick Sirianni on Willie Lampkin: "You've really seen Willie continue to get better and be more -- and you notice him even more once the pads have come on. He has ability to play on the inside at center or guard, good versatility, smart guy, really athletic. He's been fun to watch… — Zach Berman (@ZBerm) August 10, 2026 Landon Dickerson, who starts at left guard, had some great things to say about the second-year lineman. He called Lampkin the Eagles’ “little secret weapon” and said he’s done “a phenomenal job” in practice. “I think Willie’s done a phenomenal job,” Dickerson said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “He plays with great leverage, great feet. He’s a strong guy. “He’s kind of like our little secret weapon when it comes to the D-linemen. I just don’t think he’s your typical size for an offensive lineman, which can be a game-changer going against defensive linemen.” Lampkin isn't in line to start for the Eagles, but he's pushing for a spot on the 53-man roster, which would be a major accomplishment for the former undrafted lineman – especially after essentially redshirting last year due to injury. With all the expiring contracts the Rams have coming up, Lampkin may have been able to help them next year at guard or center, where Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton and Kevin Dotson are all set to be free agents in 2027. There's probably some seller's remorse and regret on the Rams' part, but they did what they felt was best for the team last year. They probably just didn't expect another team to swoop in and claim him after being cut with an injury designation. Had the Eagles not claimed Lampkin, he would've reverted to the Rams' injured reserve for the year, allowing him to stay in L.A. all season. No team has a perfect track record when it comes to cutting players, but Lampkin could be the one who got away for Les Snead and Sean McVay. This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Former Rams lineman has turned into 'little secret weapon' for Eagles