It only took one game for this Rams rookie to look like a future starter

The Los Angeles Rams saw him play college football and believed in him enough to sign him after the NFL Draft concluded. His debut came in the first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, and his performance only strengthened the case for him as a potential roster find.

Of course, it won’t come easily. LA’s offensive line is a tough nut to crack, even for veterans with extensive starting experience. The front office understands the team’s plight; everything is hunky-dory when players are healthy, but when injuries hit, they hit hard. And the Rams are already managing injuries to starters on the line.

Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson continues to fight through blood clots. While he is participating in individual jog throughs, he is not cleared for physical contact just yet. Meanwhile, starting right guard Kevin Dotson is dealing with a chest contusion. He's been held out of practice for a bit, but is expected to return to full activity soon. Still, there's one rookie who's been making a name for himself in their absence, and he just might be a future starter. Enter, Willie Lampkin.

Willie Lampkin is making the most out of Rams' injury concerns

Rookie IOL Willie Lampkin sits near the bottom of the Rams’ depth chart and rep rotation, but he makes the most of every opportunity. He’s currently buried behind starting center Coleman Shelton and last year’s rookie starter Beaux Limmer. That doesn’t exactly boost his chances, yet he’s already caught the attention of head coach Sean McVay.

ESPN analyst Mina Kimes, part of the Los Angeles Rams preseason broadcast crew, made it a point to share her excitement when Lampkin entered the game. This young man is generating quite a buzz, and it’s easy to see why.

He stands under 6 feet, and yet his powerful frame tips the scale at 290 pounds. Even at that weight, he plays like a much bigger man. He has a tremendously low center of gravity, has amazingly long arms for a man of his height, and can leverage his opponent masterfully. Like a black belt in martial arts, he can use his adversaries' heights and weights against them.

Sure, it was only one preseason game. And yes, he did not enter the game until late. But he ripped through Dallas' defensive linemen like they were paper dolls. Some fans counted the number of pancakes he recorded in the game. One fan touted the number at six. That's a hefty breakfast.

He’s worth keeping an eye on, and Rams fans should get the chance to see him in action. He’s one of the few offensive linemen truly worth cheering for.

As always, thanks for reading.

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