Willie Lampkin Is a DIAMOND in the Rough | The Undisputed King of the Trenches

Willie Lampkin is an offensive lineman who began his collegiate career at Coastal Carolina before transferring to the University of North Carolina (UNC). Standing at 5’11” and weighing 290 pounds, Lampkin has been recognized for his strength, quickness, and consistent performance on the field, but disrespected for his size.

College Career:

• Coastal Carolina: Lampkin was a three-year starter, beginning all 12 games at left guard as a freshman. He earned second-team All-Sun Belt honors and multiple Freshman All-America recognitions. In his sophomore year, he started all 13 games at left tackle, again securing second-team All-Sun Belt accolades. As a junior, he started all 13 games at center and was named the Sun Belt Offensive Lineman of the Year, along with first-team All-Sun Belt honors.
• North Carolina: After transferring to UNC, Lampkin continued his impressive performance, starting all 11 games in his first season and earning third-team All-ACC honors. He was part of an offensive line that contributed to an offense averaging 491.2 total yards per game, ranking 7th nationally.

Strengths:

• Versatility: Lampkin has demonstrated the ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, including guard and center, showcasing his adaptability and understanding of various line responsibilities.
• Technical Proficiency: Despite being considered undersized for his position, Lampkin’s technique, including hand placement and footwork, compensates for any physical limitations.
• Work Ethic and Determination: Lampkin’s journey from a less-heralded recruit to a standout performer at two collegiate programs highlights his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Areas for Improvement:

• Size and Length: At 5’11”, Lampkin is shorter than the typical NFL offensive lineman, which may present challenges against taller and longer defenders. His arm length and overall size could be scrutinized during the draft evaluation process.
• Athleticism: While Lampkin possesses adequate quickness, enhancing his overall athleticism could improve his ability to handle the speed and power of NFL defensive linemen.

Draft Projection:

Lampkin’s consistent collegiate performance and versatility make him an intriguing prospect. Lampkin was a First Team All-American according to the Associated Press. He was not invited to any All-Star Games, and he is being overlooked by many, but damn is he good. While concerns regarding his size may impact his draft stock, he is projected to be a late-round selection or a priority undrafted free agent, depending on team evaluations and scheme fits.

Conclusion:

Willie Lampkin’s collegiate career is marked by resilience, adaptability, and technical skill. While his physical measurements may not align with traditional NFL standards for offensive linemen, his on-field performance and work ethic suggest he has the potential to contribute at the professional level, particularly in schemes that value agility and technique over sheer size.