According to Sean McVay, Omar Speights’ maturity level is way beyond his years. The 23-year-old undrafted rookie linebacker has slowly begun to incorporate himself into the Rams’ defensive rotation beyond already being a contributor on special teams.
McVay was asked about Speights on Monday and shared some positive remarks about the rookie defender.
“I’ve seen a guy that’s consistently put in the work,” he said. “You can see 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. This guy was a pro. I use the word a lot as it relates to this rookie class, especially the guys on defense. They’re grown men and they’re mature beyond their years. I think that’s been reflected in Omar Speights and that’s why you’re not surprised that when he does get an opportunity to be able to step up and play more snaps, he makes his impact felt. He certainly did that yesterday and I’ve been really happy for him. [ILBs coach] Greg Williams does a great job leading that group. We’ve had a lot of different guys playing at that spot. Yesterday, Omar made some big plays and I thought [Christian] Rozeboom had a really good game. I thought he was productive. I thought he made a lot of different plays and was able to influence and affect the game in a positive way, but Omar’s a stud. Mature beyond his years for a rookie.”
Since Troy Reeder’s injury, Speights has stepped up in his absence, doing exactly what he did in college and that’s making the routine plays look routine.
He’s been a solid tackler, racking up six total tackles in the past two games, including a shared tackle with Bobby Brown to stop Kenneth Walker on fourth down in OT.
4th-and-1 with the game on the line. Look who it is making the game-saving play for the Rams defense.
That would be Omar Speights!
Navigates traffic. Meets the ball carrier in the hole for no gain!
Also…look at that penetration from Bobby Brown III! pic.twitter.com/uhKTNI2jxe
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) November 4, 2024
For the Rams to put Speights on the field in that situation – a situation that determined the game – is only further testament that the team loves what it’s been seeing from him.
One of the key members of Chris Shula’s turnaround, Speights continues to shine as the Rams’ UDFA class keeps standing out.
