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3 reasons why Omar Speights is perfect teammate for Christian Rozeboom

Christian Rozeboom looks like a solid linebacker now, and has since teaming up with Omar Speights

ByBret Stuter|
Dec 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. (81) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. (81) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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(2) - Rozeboom is finally getting consistent playing time

To understand why inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom has been such a work in progress, you have to travel back in time to the moment that the LA Rams signed him to the team after the 2020 NFL Draft. Hailing from South Dakota State University, Rozeboom was one of 20 undrafted free agents signed that year, a year that also included DT/OLB Michael Hoecht and former DE Jonah Williams.

Rozeboom was a very productive and promising rookie prospect for the team, despite not hearing his name called out during the draft. At the time, the 6-foot-2 230-pound linebacker did not face competing with a drafted player. He remained a practice squad player for the team through 2021, a year that found him signing with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. But by November 2021, the Rams returned the favor and re-signed Rozeboom to the active roster. The team extended him in April 2023.

Prior to 2023, Rozeboom was a special team specialist. But when the team released All-Pro ILB Bobby Wagner, the coaches opted to pair Rozeboom with Ernest Jones. Still, Jones was the starting inside linebacker, and Rozeboom found himself pulled off the football field quite frequently to create room for the defense to bring in an additional defensive back. The resulting rotational role for Rozeboom in 2023 meant that he would play just 550 defensive snaps.

In five fewer games in 2024, he has already played 596 defensive snaps.

Continuity can mean a great deal for a linebacker. Because they are constantly surveying the offense and trying to analyze what the next play will be, linebackers benefit greatly from more playing time. After all, it's easier to understand what the offense is doing after seeing the same play multiple times.

It also helps Rozeboom to be on the football field in pass coverage, his natural role with his vast range and speed. Because Rozeboom offers solid pass coverage, he stays on the football field for passing downs as well.

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