Willie Lampkin claimed on waivers by the defending Super Bowl champions

Willie Lampkin is a guy who is used to defying the odds.

Considered undersized for his position, Lampkin made a name for himself at the college level, being an integral part of the UNC football program's offensive line during his two seasons on campus.

With his size playing a factor, Lampkin did not hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he quickly found a deal to join the Los Angeles Rams for training camp.

Even though he was rated one of the highest graded rookie offensive lineman during preseason action, it wasn't enough for him to find a spot on the Rams' 53-man roster. However, as the old saying goes, "when one door closes, another one opens" holds true, as Lampkin has been claimed by the reigning Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Lampkin is a versatile lineman who can handle playing multiple positions, but center is the spot where he likely will make a name for himself during his professional career. The Eagles just might be the perfect landing spot for Lampkin, considering they've had some past success with centers who don't possess the physical traits of a typical offensive lineman.

It goes to show you just how much the Eagles organization likes Lampkin and his ability on the football field. Hundreds of players (including 15 Tar Heels) were released/waived on Tuesday, but only a handful of players were claimed by other squads.

Lampkin was one of them, as the hope is that the Eagles can develop him even more to become an integral part of their offensive line unit for years to come.

Having seen what Lampkin can do on the football field, it wouldn't surprise any UNC football fans to see him eventually work his way into a starter's role at some point in his NFL career.