Look out for the 2nd season of these 2 undrafted Rams defenders in 2025

The Los Angeles Rams are quite adept at finding solid roster fits even after the annual draft ends. Even as the Rams advanced to the Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the team found several undrafted players who not only made the roster, but managed to step up and start for the team last season. The team benefited from the ability of undrafted interior offensive lineman Justin Dedich to step up and start at left guard for the team in 2024.

We have plenty to say about undrafted linebacker Omar Speights. Much of the Rams' surge in defensive proficiency can be traced to the promotion of Speights to a starting role in the defense. But as the defense became stingier due to the presence of Speight. In 10 starts, he stepped in to deliver 67 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two pass deflections, and missed only 4.3 percent

Keep in mind that Speights was handed the reins long after he had settled in as a resident of the Rams' bench. So his early games were tainted with a bit of settling in and getting up to speed. Will he be the starter in 2025? He played well enough for the team to return as the starter. But he is not the only defender who showed up in a big way.

Undrafted defensive back Jaylen McCollough did not need an injury to create an opportunity to see playing time in 2024. He saw action in every game as a special teamer. He saw his first bit of work in Week 2 with a tackle in his only defensive snap. After the Rams opened the season 1-3, the coaches had seen enough, and began to reroute more defensive work to McCollough.

In was Week 5 when McCollough snagged his first interception.

For the season, Jaylen McCollough would never crack the starting lineup. But he would be a fixture in the Rams defensive back rotation. He did get a gratuitous start on Week 18 as the team opted to rest starters.

Pro Football Focus honored both Omar Speights and Jaylen McCollough in naming them to a Top 10 undrafted free agents. But as well as both rookies played in 2024, they should both play that much better in 2025. Both have a full season of on-field production to fuel their 2025 Rams training camp work this year. Both know what's coming, allowing them to optimize their offseason work and preparation for the upcoming season.

Two undrafted defenders wowed the Rams coaching staff well enough to not only make the 53-man Rams roster, but to be trusted with a contributing role last season. Now that the game will slow down for them, fans can expect even better performances.

It is the anticipation of a strong second season from Speights that has allowed both ILBs Christian Rozeboom and Jake Hummel to sign elsewhere. I would be surprised if the team extended Troy Reeder as well.

Turn the page to a new chapter, Rams fans. They had minor roles in 2024, but both Omar Speights and Jaylen McCollough are set up for even bigger roles in 2025. And they will deliver as well.

As always, thanks for reading.

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