The Los Angeles Rams have done an admirable job retooling their roster over the past two seasons. After transitioning from a veteran-heavy Super Bowl core to a younger, more cost-effective nucleus, the Rams have quickly re-established themselves as contenders in the NFC. However, one area that still demands attention is inside linebacker — specifically the role currently occupied by Omar Speights.
Speights has been a serviceable contributor, but if the Rams are serious about maximizing a championship window built around Matthew Stafford and a reloaded defense, they need more impact from the second level. Modern NFL defenses require linebackers who can create splash plays, hold up in coverage, process at high speed, and play with explosive range. At present, that’s not what the Rams are consistently getting.
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Below is a closer look at the concerns.
Lack of Splash-Making Ability
In today’s NFL, linebackers must do more than clean up tackles five yards downfield. They must disrupt. They must flip momentum. They must create chaos. Speights has largely been a steady tackler rather than a difference-maker. While consistency has value, the Rams’ defensive scheme needs players that generate turnovers, blitz pressure, and impact plays behind the line of scrimmage. Splash plays — forced fumbles, interceptions, sacks, tackles for loss — are game-changing events. Speights has simply not produced in this area. In fact, Speights has: 0 career sacks, 0 career interceptions, 0 fumbles forced, and only 2 tackles for loss.
When the Rams won the Super Bowl during the 2021 season, their defense was filled with players who altered games. That unit thrived on momentum-shifting moments. The current version needs more of that energy at linebacker. An upgrade would ideally bring instinctive playmaking ability — someone who anticipates routes, times blitzes effectively, and finishes plays in the backfield rather than reacting late.
Lack of Coverage Ability
The modern NFL is built to isolate linebackers in space. Offensive coordinators scheme to exploit matchups with tight ends, running backs, and slot receivers. If your linebackers can’t cover, you will be targeted repeatedly.
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Speights has struggled in man coverage and has shown limitations in zone drops. There are snaps where he looks a step behind, especially against athletic tight ends. This forces defensive coordinators to compensate with safety help, which limits disguise and creativity elsewhere in the defense. In two seasons, Speights has allowed 53 completions on 74 targets (71.6% completion percentage against).
The Rams play in a division featuring dynamic offensive play-callers and versatile skill players. Against teams that can stretch the middle of the field, linebacker coverage is not optional — it’s essential.
Upgrading to a linebacker with fluid hips, range, and awareness in coverage would significantly elevate the Rams’ defensive flexibility. It would allow them to stay in base personnel longer without sacrificing pass defense integrity.
Processing & Reaction Speed
Linebacker is arguably the most mentally demanding position on defense. Diagnosing run vs. pass, recognizing blocking schemes, identifying route combinations — all within seconds — separates average players from difference-makers.
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Speights occasionally appears hesitant when reading developing plays. That half-second delay can be the difference between stuffing a run at the line or allowing a five-yard gain. Against elite offenses, those margins compound quickly.
Elite linebackers play fast not only because they are athletic — but because they see the game quickly. That is an area where the Rams could seek improvement.
Lack of Explosiveness
The prime example of Speights lack of explosion was his game against Seattle in the NFC Championship Game. Kenneth Walker made him look foolish in on an inside run and then again on a reception in the flat late in the 4th quarter. Speights is more reactionary than explosive and anticipatory.
Free Agent Target: Nakobe Dean
Nakobe Dean brings the type of athletic profile and instinctive playmaking ability the Rams need. A former collegiate standout known for leadership and football IQ, Dean excels in pursuit and coverage.
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While his NFL career has been slowed at times by injuries, his upside remains significant. Dean’s processing speed, downhill burst, and comfort in space would provide immediate improvement over Speights. He is capable of blitzing effectively, matching up with tight ends, and generating splash plays.
If healthy, Dean could fit seamlessly into the Rams’ defensive scheme and provide the kind of energetic, high-motor presence that elevates the entire front seven.
Draft Prospect Target: Sonny Styles
If the Rams prefer to build through the draft, Sonny Styles offers fascinating versatility. A hybrid defender with size and athleticism, Styles has experience playing in space and near the line of scrimmage.
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His explosiveness and physicality make him an intriguing projection at linebacker at the next level. Styles flashes range, closing speed, and playmaking instincts — traits that align well with what the Rams are currently lacking.
Drafting Styles would represent an investment in athletic upside. With proper development, he could become the type of modern linebacker who thrives against spread offenses and contributes immediately on passing downs.
