Heading into the 2025 season, the Los Angeles Rams linebacker room is defined by uncertainty—and opportunity. With no clear frontrunner for the starting roles, Bleacher Report recently described it as “a wide-open competition,” where veteran Troy Reeder and fifth-round rookie Chris Paul Jr. are among several contenders vying for playing time. But flying somewhat under the radar is Omar Speights, a 2024 undrafted free agent who’s quietly become one of the more intriguing breakout candidates on the roster.
After going unselected in last year’s draft, the former LSU linebacker worked his way into a starting role late in the season following a season-ending injury to Reeder. And while Speights wasn’t perfect, his steady presence, run-stopping instincts, and physicality made him a key piece of the Rams’ defensive resurgence down the stretch. In fact, Pro Football Focus identified Speights as the team’s top breakout candidate in 2025—an encouraging nod for a player whose NFL career almost never began.
Speights Vs. Paul Will Be A Top Battle To Watch At Los Angeles Rams Training Camp
Speights earned a 69.4 overall grade from PFF last year, but it was his run defense (graded at 77.6) that stood out most. Among all linebackers league-wide, Speights ranked 21st in that category, showing an ability to read gaps, fill lanes, and make secure tackles near the line of scrimmage. For a Rams defense in transition, that kind of reliability is invaluable—especially in a conference where run-heavy offenses remain a threat.
Yet, the 2025 offseason brought new challenges. The Rams added Nate Landman in free agency and used a Day 3 pick to draft Chris Paul Jr., a hyper-athletic linebacker out of Washington. Paul, unlike Speights, brings sideline-to-sideline speed and standout coverage instincts—traits that make him an ideal fit for today’s pass-first NFL. As such, many view him as a strong candidate to earn snaps early, if not start outright.
Still, there’s a compelling case for Speights to retain a leading role. While his limitations in coverage and block shedding were evident at times last season, he showed meaningful improvement in both areas as the year progressed. With a full offseason to work on his weaknesses and build strength, Speights has a legitimate shot to emerge as an every-down player—especially if the Rams value continuity and experience in the middle of their defense.
The most intriguing possibility for Los Angeles may not be a competition between Speights and Paul, but a partnership. The two players offer complementary skill sets: Speights is the tone-setting downhill enforcer against the run, while Paul brings range and versatility on passing downs. Both are still on rookie deals, giving the Rams flexibility to let their young core develop while investing resources elsewhere on the roster.
If the Rams can develop that tandem, they could find themselves with two cost-effective, ascending talents who balance each other well. And for Speights, that means the pressure isn’t just about holding onto a job—it’s about proving that last season wasn’t a fluke, but the foundation of something bigger.
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As training camp nears, the Rams’ linebacker battle may be one of the most under-discussed, yet pivotal, position groups to watch. And if Speights continues his upward trajectory, he might not only keep his job—he might define what the Rams’ next-generation defense looks like.