Eagles' 279-pound center Lampkin turns heads again in preseason opener

Willie Lampkin is listed at just under 5-foot-11 and 279 pounds, which is why no NFL team drafted him. It is also why he keeps getting attention in the preseason.

A year ago Lampkin was an undrafted rookie with the Rams, knocking defensive linemen on their backs during exhibitions until an injury cost him a roster shot. Los Angeles waived him with an injury designation hoping he'd clear and return. The Eagles instead claimed the injured rookie — a rare move — and Lampkin spent last season rehabbing and developing in Philadelphia.

That development showed Saturday against the Ravens. On a third-and-15 pass, Lampkin kept Ravens defensive tackle Broderick Washington away from Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton, then kept driving him downfield and eventually threw him to the ground. His work didn't stop at the throw.

At North Carolina, Lampkin was a five-year starting guard, a first-team All-American and the winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC's best offensive lineman. His size alone pushed him to undrafted. So far, it hasn't mattered much on the field.