NFL Draft Profile: Omar Speights, Linebacker, Oregon State Beavers
#36
Pos: LB
Ht: 6005
Wt: 237
DOB: 3/2/2001
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
High School: Crescent Valley
Eligibility: 2023
Omar Speights
Oregon State Beavers
One-Liner:
An energetic linebacker that uses functional athleticism to create disruption, Speights has adopted the role of sideline-sideline playmaker.
Evaluation:
Meets the required size thresholds for the position. Terrific first step, showing both impressive burst and mental processing to gather and close, timely. Frequent in his gap fulfillment, making the requisite tackles. Notable open field speed and overall tangibles including lateral agility, and explosiveness. Profound movement skills that transition to smooth technique in coverage. Can weave and backpedal into his zone responsibility. Able to man up backs on underneath routes. Lack of play strength is a concern, leaving him on the ground more often than he should. Seemingly has tunnel vision on the ball carrier, over running the play with eyes on the back instead of the linemen. Could be peskier in coverage, will give pass-catchers breathing room. Speights has the ability to be a continuous player at the next level, with above-average athleticism and playmaking abilities. To become a truly dominant player, however, he will need to improve his physicality and round out his skill set.
Grade:
4th Round
Background:
Omar Speights began his career at Oregon State in January of 2019 from spring practices and immediately made an impact for the team. He made six starts and was named to the Freshman All America Team by several industries including 24/7 Sports and USA Today. With that accolades his freshman year, he had seventy three tackles, which was ranked third nationally by all freshmen. He made an impact his sophomore year, and in 2021, he started all thirteen games where he accounted for a career high eighty nine tackles as well as two interceptions. He has the ability to make an impact and get off to a great start and help whatever team he is on.
Quotes:
“In 2021 as a junior Speights played in 13 games and contributed on 866 snaps. He recorded 63 tackles, 27 assists, while making 35 stops. In coverage Speights chalked up one pass break up, 2 interceptions, and a QB rating when targetted of 82.7. As a pass rusher, he produced 17 total pressures, which included 11 QB hurries, 4 QB hits, and 2 sacks on the year.”
