Pats Pulpit
Scouting report for the North Carolina lineman, who projects as a late-round selection in this year’s draft.
Even with some moves being made in free agency, the offensive line remains the biggest uncertainty on the New England Patriots’ roster. The most prominent problem is at left tackle, but the potential issues extend beyond that one gaping hole in the starting lineup: the Patriots also could benefit from increased competition elsewhere up front.
The draft will be a golden opportunity to add such competition, with several suitable targets available on all three days. Among them is one of the most unique linemen in recent memory, North Carolina’s Willie Lampkin.
Name: Willie Lampkin
Position: Interior offensive line
School: North Carolina
Opening day age: 23 (1/22/2002)
Measurements: 5’10 6/8”, 279 lbs, 78 1/2” wingspan, 31 1/2” arm length, 10 1/8” hand size, 5.21s 40-yard dash, 4.7s short shuttle, 23 1/2” vertical jump, 8’8” broad jump, 18 bench press reps, 3.05 Relative Athletic Score
Colleges: Coastal Carolina (2020-22), North Carolina (2023-24)
Career statistics: 61 games (61 starts) | 4,122 offensive snaps, 2 special teams snaps | 43 pressures surrendered (3 sacks, 8 hits, 32 hurries) | 32 penalties
Accolades: Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2024), First-team All-ACC (2024), Third-team All-ACC (2023), First-team All-Sun Belt (2022), Second-team All-Sun Belt (2021, 2020) Freshman All-American (2020)
A two-way football player and state champion wrestler during his high school career, Lampkin was rated as a three-star offensive line recruit coming out of Lakeland. He decided to take his talents to Coastal Carolina over an offer from Appalachian State, and went on to start all 38 games he appeared in during three seasons with the Chanticleers.
Lampkin decided to enter the transfer portal following the 2022 season, moving one state north line to join the University of North Carolina. He picked up right where he left off, starting 23 games and being recognized as an All-ACC player in both of his seasons with the Tar Heels.
Expected round: Day 3 | Consensus big board: No. 192 | Patriots meeting: N/A
Strengths: Despite measuring under 5-foot-11, Lampkin has proven himself a competitive blocker throughout his college career. How has he managed to do that? By maximizing his low center of gravity against taller opponents and using his natural leverage and wide base to drop a firm anchor. It also helps that he plays a technically proficient game that reflects his background in wrestling: he has good balance and a powerful initial punch as well as a strong grip.
Lampkin’s feet also deserve mention. He is quick out of his stance as both a guard and center — his versatility to play both spots is an added plus — and redirects well without using any wasted steps. Moving well laterally, he is able to mirror in pass protection, serve as a pull, reach or zone blocker, and react to stunts, twists or second-level blitzes. In addition, he offers tremendous experience and has been described as...
