Willie Lampkin: Injury| Highlights| 40 time| Contract| Net Worth

Early Life & Collegiate Foundation

William Lampkin IV was born on January 22, 2002, in Bealsville, Florida. After his mother lost her job following his sophomore year, Lampkin moved in with his father in Lakeland, where he attended Lakeland High School. There, he dominated both on the football field and wrestling mat—winning the Florida state wrestling championship with an undefeated 47-0 record in his senior year and leading his football team to a state title as well.

Lampkin began his college football career at Coastal Carolina (2020–2022), starting as a true freshman at left guard and earning multiple All-Sun Belt honors. After three seasons and 38 consecutive starts, he transferred to North Carolina for the 2023–2024 seasons. At UNC, he excelled—earning First-team All-ACC, First-team All-American honors, and the prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to the conference’s top blocker.

1. Injury

Willie Lampkin’s preseason journey with the Los Angeles Rams was unfortunately cut short due to injury. In his second preseason game, Lampkin suffered both a knee and ankle injury, which head coach Sean McVay noted would sideline him for several weeks. Consequently, the Rams waived him with an injury designation during final roster cuts Wikipedia.

Despite the setback, Lampkin remained a hot prospect. The Philadelphia Eagles quickly claimed him off waivers, signaling their belief in his long-term potential under the guidance of renowned offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.

Lampkin’s resilience and technique suggest that once healthy, he could make a significant impact—even if his rookie year remains injury-limited.

2. Highlights

College Highlights

Lampkin’s football journey is studded with achievements:

• Coastal Carolina (2020–2022):

  • Started all 12 games as a true freshman.

  • Multiple freshman All-American honors.

  • Sun Belt Offensive Lineman of the Year (2022).

  • First-team All-Sun Belt (2022) and Second-team in earlier years.

• North Carolina (2023–2024):

  • Third-team All-ACC (2023).

  • First-team All-ACC and First-team All-American (2024).

  • Winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy—awarded to the ACC’s most outstanding blocker.

Pre-Draft & Senior Bowl

Lampkin’s tape made him a standout prospect. Despite being one of the “shortest ever” offensive line prospects invited to the Senior Bowl, his domination in one-on-one matchups drew praise from scouts. His tape showcased exceptional leverage, technique, and motor—even in the face of physical disadvantages.

NFL Preseason

During 2025 preseason, Lampkin generated serious buzz for the Rams:

• Posted a 94.1 PFF grade, the second-best among interior linemen.

• Viral highlight clips featured him pancaking four Cowboys defenders—underscoring his explosiveness and hand technique.

His relentless style earned admiration from analysts, who labeled him a “leverage monster” with the ability to neutralize much bigger opponents. Bleacher Report called him “a chore to shed once latched”.

These highlights helped shape his narrative as a uniquely skilled and tenacious football player.

3. 40-Time

Lampkin’s athletic testing isn’t typical for offensive linemen but stands impressive in context:

• At his Pro Day (or comparable measurement), he recorded a 5.20-second 40-yard dash, placing him in the 72nd percentile among similar prospects.

While not blazing fast by NFL standards, the number underscores his surprising quickness and movement—especially for a player around 5’11” and 290 lb.

Further scouting analysis notes his explosive first step, surgical hand placement, balance, and ability to operate in space—all traits that align well with a solid testing performance despite stature limitations.

4. Contract

Willie Lampkin’s entry into the NFL came via a standard undrafted rookie free agent contract:

• Signed a 3-year deal worth $2,995,000 with the Los Angeles Rams.

• Included a $30,000 signing bonus, fully guaranteed.

Breakdown per Over the Cap:

As noted, he was waived with an injury designation; the Eagles claiming him implies they’ll see the contract through, or renegotiate based on availability and performance.

5. Net Worth

Estimating an undrafted rookie’s net worth comes with caveats, but based on available data:

• Lampkin’s guaranteed earnings are limited: $30,000 in signing bonus.

• Base salary for 2025 projected at approx. $840,000 (pre-tax).

• No confirmed NIL earnings, but some estimates suggest modest collegiate endorsements.

• Net worth projections range from $100,000 to $500,000, considering income, taxes, living costs, and limited endorsement revenue.

While relatively modest, his preseason buzz and potential upward trajectory may pave the way for future extensions—should he carve out a role.

Conclusion: The Compact Lineman with Colossal Potential

Willie Lampkin’s story upends conventional football expectations. Here’s what sets him apart:

• Compact But Powerful: At 5’11”, 279–290 lbs, he doesn’t fit the typical mold—but his leverage, balance, and technique dominate.

• Versatility and Durability: Numerous starts across guard and center positions showcase his reliability and adaptability.

• Athletic Testing and Technique: A 5.20 40-time combined with elite hand work and movement make him a unique prospect.

• Underdog Highlights: NCAA honors, Senior Bowl performances, and preseason dominance have made his narrative compelling.

• Injury Setback—and Opportunity: A preseason injury shortened his Rams tenure—but being claimed by the Eagles highlights belief in his potential development.

• Financial Foundation: A modest UDFA contract and limited net worth, but with a foundation for growth if he earns active roster status.

Lampkin’s path is emblematic of perseverance, mastery of fundamentals, and the power of high IQ football. As he recovers and acclimates to Philadelphia, his story still has room for uplifting chapters—perhaps one where technique and tenacity trump prototype, and a compact lineman becomes an NFL standout.