Rams rookie linebacker Omar Speights didn't play a single defensive snap until Week 8, when an injury to linebacker Troy Reeder opened up a spot in the lineup. The very next week, an impact play thrust him into a starting role that he clung to for the rest of the season.
On a fourth-and-one from L.A.'s 16-yard line in overtime, the Seahawks went for it. A touchdown would have won the game, but Speights shot the gap and met running back Kenneth Walker at the line of scrimmage, driving him back along with nose tackle Bobby Brown III for a massive stop. The Rams would score the game-winning touchdown on the ensuing drive, extending their win streak to three.
That play, and much of Speights' success as an undrafted rookie, can be traced back to his extra film work.
"They motioned a little bit before, so I just kind of knew wherever that motion ended up going, that was where the run was gonna go," Speights said. "So I ended up just being a cut back, so I just checked my gap first and then flew over the top just looking for an open gap to hit and I found it."
After that, Speights started each of the last 11 games of the season, including two playoff showdowns. In addition to his required film study, Speights said he would watch a couple games a week and cut-ups targeted at his matchups on his own.
Stats
Speights ranked first or second among defensive undrafted free agents in all the below defensive stats from the regular season (* = first). All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference except stops, which are courtesy of Pro Football Focus (PFF).
| Season | Games Started | Tackles | Stops | PBUs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10* | 67* | 23* | 2 |
Emergence: Film Study and Sound Tackling
Speights' film study wasn't arbitrary. He always had a goal in mind and watched games or plays for a specific reason.
"For me, it's really once I get to that point of just being comfortable (with the opposing offense) because then at that point, it's kind of like, I just know when it's that time, I can cut it loose," Speights said.
It was common for him to stay late to watch film or talk strategy with coaches like linebackers coach Greg Williams, said defensive coordinator Chris Shula, and that paid dividends on the stat sheet.
Speights missed just five tackles the entire season and had the fifth-highest PFF tackling grade among rookies (79.2). His 23 stops ranked ninth among rookies, despite his limited snap count (419). The next-closest rookie with under 420 snaps had 17 stops. That person was defensive end Tyler Davis (298 snaps), who is also on the Rams.
Speights' football IQ and ability to act on it in real time was impressive for a rookie, let alone an undrafted one. He used that skill set to make impact plays from the linebacker position, which was a big factor for the Rams throughout the regular season and playoffs.
As the first half of the Divisional Round matchup with Philadelphia ticked down, Speights got to Jalen Hurts on a blitz and caused a fumble that rolled all the way back near midfield. His first career sack and forced fumble couldn't have come at a better moment, as the Eagles were placed out of field goal range and ended the drive without points.
"I've seen a guy that's consistently put in the work," said head coach Sean McVay. "He's got a routine and a rhythm that he has established where he's doing extra work, taking care of his body, he's got film, very conscientious, and this guy is a pro."
A year ago, Speights wasn't invited to the NFL Combine. He didn't know if he would even be a pro. Months later, 257 players were selected in the NFL Draft, and he wasn't one of them. But, L.A. took a chance on him, traded their best linebacker (Ernest Jones IV) before the season started, and an opportunity presented itself.
Speights ran with it and put together a strong rookie season in unforeseeable circumstances.
