Omar Speights
Summary
Omar Speights went undrafted in the 2024 Draft out of Louisiana State University (LSU). Speights enters the NFL as a highly productive college linebacker—he posted over 300 career tackles at Oregon State before transferring to LSU for his final year. Known for his tackling relentlessness, instincts in run‑defense and high motor, Speights brings heat and physicality to the second level. That said, his pre‑draft profile raised concerns about his size, arm length and athleticism, which affected his draft stock and resulted in him going undrafted. As a result, his NFL path is more developmental and opportunity‑based rather than immediate star projection.
Strengths
Strong tackling production and run‑down ability: Speights consistently racks up tackles, shows good pursuit and finish in the box. NFL Draft Buzz
Instincts, feel for flow and gap‑reading: He demonstrates ability to diagnose run vs pass early, takes good angles and shows awareness in his zone. Bleacher Report
High motor and violent style of play: Speights plays with aggression, wraps up, shows effort on downhill plays and special teams upside. nfl.com
Decent versatility in sub‑packages: He has shown ability to play in base sets, special teams, and may carve niche roles given his instincts and physicality. The Draft Network
Compact enough size for certain linebacker roles: At ~6′1″, ~228‑230 lbs he has the frame to pack run‑defensive punch in some schemes.
Weaknesses
Sub‑prototype size/arm length for top tier linebacker match‑ups: Lack of length and upper‑body size relative to elite two‑down linebackers. Bleacher Report
Athletic limitations and change‑of‑direction/coverage concerns: His movement in space, ability to mirror tight ends or running backs in coverage, and recovery burst are less refined.
Block‑shedding and power disengagement can lag: Against stronger linemen or when taking on blocks in traffic, he can struggle to disengage cleanly or maintain position. Bleacher Report
Ceiling somewhat limited by scheme fit and role specificity: Without elite athletic traits or size, his highest impact likely comes in specific roles rather than as a full‑three‑down star. The Draft Network
Durability/availability questions due to past injury: He missed time in his final collegiate season due to a hip flexor injury which may raise some red flags. Bleacher Report
Fit & Outlook
Speights is best suited for a defense that emphasizes physicality, gap discipline and run‑defense rather than one that demands linebackers to cover a ton of man‑to‑man, shadow receivers, or drop into deep space repeatedly. A scheme that uses him primarily as a run‑down, early‑down linebacker, allows him to play downhill, pursue and make tackles—and rotate in sub‑package or special‑teams roles—will maximize his value. He may be less optimal in a system that expects him to be the primary coverage linebacker or to consistently match elite athletic tight ends or slot receivers. Outlook‑wise: his floor is a dependable rotational linebacker and special‑teams contributor—a player who can step in on early downs, bring energy, fill a gap and provide depth. His upside: if he continues to refine his coverage skills, improve his block‑shedding technique, stay healthy and land in a compatible scheme, he could develop into a starting linebacker for run‑heavy defenses or a valued multi‑down piece who plays inside in base sets and on special teams. The key for his progression will be coaching support, fit with scheme, and how much his athletic/coverage limitations improve with time.