Rams May Have Let an Intriguing Offensive Lineman Slip Away Last Summer

Over the past few seasons, the Los Angeles Rams have had one of the strongest rosters in the NFL. Unlike the 2023 and 2024 seasons when the Rams had several open roster spots, the roster has been very competitive the last two years.

That has resulted in some difficult roster decisions. During roster cutdowns last year, the Rams made two controversial cuts, moving on from linebacker Chris Paul Jr. and offensive lineman Willie Lampkin. Paul Jr. was a fifth-round draft pick and was seen as a potential steal.

Meanwhile, Lampkin was considered one of the top center prospects, but his smaller size led to him going undrafted. He had a great preseason before getting hurt. While the Rams tried to sneak him onto IR during roster cutdowns, the Philadelphia Eagles claimed him off waivers.

Willie Lampkin Is Turning Heads With the Eagles

Lampkin has been a bit of a camp darling during training camp for the Eagles and is expected to make the team as a guard.

“You've really seen Willie continue to get better,” said Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. “He has the ability to play on the inside at center or guard, good versatility, smart guy, really athletic. He's been fun to watch at camp. We find ourselves as coaches when we're watching tape, just kind of being like, 'Man, Willie did it again.'”

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

As the Rams head into 2026, they lack some depth on the interior, especially at center. Justin Dedich is currently managing a hand injury, leaving Keagen Trost as potentially the best guard depth. The Rams do have Beaux Limmer as both center and guard depth. Limmer has experience, but he struggled when he played at guard last year in place of Kevin Dotson. He’s certainly more comfortable at center, but despite playing admirably in 2025, he had rough moments there as well.

It’s hard to get too disappointed about losing an undrafted free agent, but there’s a good chance Lampkin ends up being “one that got away.” Last year during the preseason, Lampkin graded as the fifth-best center and ranked third in run blocking via Pro Football Focus.

Willie Lampkin (5'11" 290) pancaking four Cowboys defenders in week 1 of preseason pic.twitter.com/pkbm7DoV86
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 10, 2025

Lampkin’s versatility at guard and center is part of what makes him so valuable. It’s also something that the Rams lack in their offensive line depth. Dedich played center in college, but has only played 18 snaps at the position for the Rams, which all came in the 2024 preseason. Limmer hasn’t shown that he can be trusted at both spots.

Rams Could Use Lampkin’s Versatility on the Offensive Line

The Rams did sign Austin Blaske as an undrafted free agent and also have Dylan McMahon, who has spent the last two years on the practice squad. However, Lampkin outplayed McMahon last year and looked set to make the roster before his injury.

One of the biggest questions on the Rams’ roster is their offensive line depth. A lot of that concern is at tackle, where the Rams only have Trost and David Quessenberry. However, the same can be said on the interior, especially at center. That’s a spot that Lampkin certainly could have filled.

Again, it’s hard to criticize the Rams too much for losing Lampkin. His injury played into the decision and the Rams hoped he would clear waivers so they could put him on IR. It’s rare for teams to claim players with an injury designation, which is what the Eagles did. While it didn’t work out for the Rams, Lampkin’s performance is certainly worth monitoring and remains a significant ‘what if’.

Add us as a preferred source on Google