12 days of Christmas winners for the LA Rams in a Week 16 win over the Jets

(3) - ILB Omar Speights

The Rams front office has a proven track record at finding undrafted rookies who grow into a significant rotational or starting role for the team over time. But undrafted LSU rookie inside linebacker Omar Speights looked the part of starter in preseason, and he is continuing to deliver to that promise throughout 2024.

Speights is not a polished, refined linebacker who delivers every task required by an NFL inside linebacker. Nor should he be expected to deliver at that level, as he was signed by the team after the 2024 NFL Draft. It took several seasons before former undrafted inside linebacker Cory Littleton delivered a pro bowl season. In his rookie season, Littleton was a special team specialist.

But Speights is more than a rookie inside linebacker who is taking up space on this defense. Since earning a presence in this defense, the team is 7-2. While he is not the sole reason for the team's success, he has certainly contributed to the team's late-season playoff push.

Just check out the way Omar Speights shot through the line when facing a fourth-down and one yard to go against the New York Jets in Week 16. The Rams defense forced a turnover on downs three times in the game.

Speights has learned and developed rapidly this season. In many ways, he has been the engine behind a suddenly stingy defense as the season draws to a close. He is a sure tackler. a block-shedding container of chaos prepared to unleash his fury on on opposing running backs. As he improves, so does this Rams defense. And the defense is certainly getting better.