RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 09: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV (13) prepares to take a snap from offensive lineman Willie Lampkin IV (62) in the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
There are several “what if” scenarios in recent Los Angeles Rams history that cut the fanbase to the bone.
LA used a second-round pick on a gadget receiver in Tutu Atwell over an All-Pro interior lineman in Creed Humphrey. This spring they used the 13th overall selection on quarterback Ty Simpson rather than Makai Lemon, Kenyon Sadiq, or someone who could have helped in a 2026 Super Bowl push.
And the latest example is the fact that Willie Lampkin is now excelling in training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles one year removed from the Rams releasing him.
Let’s check in on reports from Eagles camp:
The “little secret weapon”:
Because it has become clear over the last couple of weeks that Lampkin is an NFL player and he’s pushing extremely hard for a spot on the Eagles’ 53-man roster. He has been turning the heads of his teammates and coaches along the way.
“I think Willie’s done a phenomenal job,” starting left guard Landon Dickerson said. “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 has been an absolute menace in 1-on-1 drills and has carried that success over to team drills. He is pushing hard for a roster spot and his versatility — he can play all three interior spots — makes him a valuable player.
From head coach Nick Sirianni:
5'11" interior offensive lineman Willie Lampkin has been turning heads so far at Eagles training camp. pic.twitter.com/heSDzS7OPQ
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 10, 2026
Lampkin was excellent last year for Rams
Lampkin played in one-and-a-half exhibition games in 2025 for Los Angeles before suffering knee and ankle injuries. He showed flashes of elite play versus the Dallas Cowboys in his first ever NFL appearance.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Lampkin posted the below metrics while primarily playing at center and a little left guard:
Offensive grade: 94.1
Run blocking grade: 92.2
Pass blocking grade: 78.6
Rams averaged 6.2 yards per carry on five middle-left runs
The Rams’ gut-wrenching mistake
The Rams are staring down the barrel of needing to soon sign both guards in Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson. There are no shortage of young players that LA must give new contracts. The Rams would have more flexibility if they had solid alternative options—someone like Lampkin. They simply do not have other viable paths currently.
Les Snead and Sean McVay thought they could use Lampkin’s injury as an opportunity to stash him on the roster. They released him with a waived/injured designation and he would have converted to injured reserve if he went unclaimed. The Eagles saw his preseason performance and brought him to Philadelphia.
Keeping Lampkin would have meant cutting someone else from the initial 53-man roster. That is tough to do for an injured player that may not be on the field soon, although Lampkin could have been moved to injured reserve after he made the first 53.
The Rams thought they could sneak Lampkin onto the roster for 2026. The Eagles called LA’s bluff in a move that is very rarely seen. Less than 1-2% of players get claimed following a waived/injured designation. This is the latest advantage Philly found on the edge of roster building strategies.
What’s done is done; however, the Rams probably wish they still had Willie Lampkin.
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