By Mark Pszonak
North Carolina offensive lineman Willie Lampkin has defied the odds for years. At 5-foot-10, 270-pounds, he successfully established himself as a top-level player at a position dominated by linemen five, six and seven inches taller than him. And he has continued to do the same this week during Senior Bowl practices against elite defensive linemen.
Willie Lampkin has had himself a really good first two days of practice. pic.twitter.com/FV7OAqO9gu
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) January 29, 2025
UNC OL Willie Lampkin (5’10, 270) vs Kentucky DT Deone Walker (6’7, 340) pic.twitter.com/G1tnttxwCz
— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) January 28, 2025
So does Lampkin, a First-Team All-American this season with the Tar Heels, have a potential future in the NFL? The answer is yes, but it may not be on the offensive line. There have already been suggestions regarding a potential move to fullback or blocking tight end, which Lampkin is open to.
Whatever happens in the new couple of months leading up to April’s NFL Draft, Lampkin has done more than enough to prove that he belongs in the league. And at least one team will be smart enough to look passed his height and find a spot on their roster for Lampkin, who is the definition of a football player.
