Not only did the Rams get major contributions from their 2024 draft class last year, but their undrafted rookies also stepped up. Omar Speights, an undrafted linebacker from LSU, ascended to a starting role by year’s end and became an important part of the defense after Troy Reeder went down with injury.
Speights will face more competition at linebacker this season after the Rams signed Nate Landman and drafted Chris Paul Jr., but his arrow is still pointing up. Out of every player on the roster, Pro Football Focus picked Speights as Los Angeles’ breakout candidate in 2025.
The Rams linebacker room needed help this offseason, and heading into the draft, there was a strong possibility that they’d address the position on the first two days, but instead, they chose to wait until the fifth round before doing so. This was encouraging news for Speights as a 2024 undrafted free agent who gained experience as a starter in this defense last year, earning a solid 69.4 overall grade. He was at his best defending the run (77.6), where he ranked 21st for his position, which bodes well for him getting the first crack at a starting job again in 2025.
Speights is somewhat limited in coverage and struggled to get off blocks at times last season, but he made progress as the year went on and he should continue to get better in 2025. If he can improve his strength when taking on blockers and dropping back into coverage, he’ll take major steps forward in his second season.
A pairing of Speights and Paul is awfully exciting for the Rams, especially with both players being as young as they are. Speights can be the downhill run stopper, while Paul excels in coverage and has the speed to chase down ball carriers from the weak side.