6 players who must perform well for Rams Game 2, including Stetson Bennett

(2) - ILB Omar Speights

I am almost certain that I am not alone in wanting the team to shake up the guys who play alongside ILB Ernest Jones IV. While Christian Rozeboom makes sense based on his productivity from 2023, the same cannot be said about Troy Reeder and Jake Hummel. Reeder has all the right tools on paper, but continues to seem lost and out of position on game day. Hummel simply seems too slow or reactive to be effective in the role for the team.

It was only one preseason game, but I loved what I saw from the other ILB options.

Surprisingly, ILB Omar Speights competed in 40 defensive snaps. Jake Hummel only saw 31 defensive snaps, and Elias Neal played 32 defensive snaps. Olakunle Fatukasi competed in just 17 snaps. Fatu ended the game with one tackle. Neal put up an impressive five tackles. Speights put up four tackles, but one of those tackles was a very impressive tackle for a loss.

One of the other inside linebackers has to make a move to claim a roster spot. While I would love to see any of the three 'other' ILBs move up the ranks, I truly believe that Omar Speights has the best chance of doing so. Of all the inside linebackers who competed against the Dallas Cowboys, Speights seemed to be the one most in his natural element. Like a fish in water, Speights saw, recognized, and moved to make the right play on the ball.

But like every other player on this list, he will need to show more to have any chance of usurping the veterans. I think he can do it. But it's not up to me. It's all up to him.