Former undrafted free agent Willie Lampkin is making a strong impression at Philadelphia Eagles training camp, emerging as a legitimate contender for a roster spot.
Lampkin declared for the 2025 NFL draft as a First Team All-American suiting up for UNC, but he went undrafted not because of his skill, but due to size. At 5’11 and 290 pounds, Lampkin was viewed as undersized for a typical NFL interior offensive lineman.
Lampkin was signed by the Los Angeles Rams but was released with an injury designation as part of final roster cuts. The Eagles signed him the next day and placed him on the injured reserve list shortly after, allowing a full year for recovering from knee and ankle injuries.
This training camp is the first real look that both Eagles fans and the front office have gotten at Lampkin, and he has reportedly impressed.
According to Thomas R. Peterson, Lampkin has “been dominating 1v1s” during camp.
Lampkin has gotten increased opportunity, moved up to the second-team offense with starting center Cam Jurgens leaving camp early on consecutive days due to injury.
While the injury doesn't seem serious, it does bring a small level of concern regarding Jurgens' health. Reportedly, the former Pro Bowl center has been in the medical tent with a back issue, the same area that bothered him throughout last season and caused him to miss a couple of games.
Lampkin’s strong camp has also caught the attention of his teammates, who have praised both his play and the energy he brings to the Eagles’ offensive line.
“Willie’s a beast. Willie’s great," fellow offensive lineman Drew Kendall said. "He’s fun to work with too, just a great guy, brings a lot of energy. He’s had a great camp."
“Willie’s been killing it,” rookie quarterback Cole Payton added. “Every day we have a team meeting after practice, and there’s always ‘good effort’ clips. Willie’s always on the ‘good effort’ clips. He’s playing his ass off, and I’m super happy for him.”
Lampkin's strong performance could not only earn him a spot on the final 53-man roster, but with the injury concerns of the interior starters, make him an increasingly valuable piece of the Eagles offensive line depth.
