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As the 2024 NFL draft approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders are actively engaging with prospects, with LSU linebacker Omar Speights being the latest on their radar. Reports from Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com indicate that the Raiders are scheduled for a virtual meeting with Speights, who also has an upcoming meeting arranged with the Houston Texans.
Speights, though projected by some sources to potentially go undrafted, possesses a mix of strengths and weaknesses, as outlined in a scouting report from Bleacher Report.
On the positive side, Speights demonstrates commendable instincts against the run, showing the ability to read plays and position himself effectively to take on blocks. He exhibits solid tackling fundamentals, maintaining good pad level and wrapping up efficiently in confined areas. Additionally, he displays disciplined eye control and utilizes his hands well to disrupt passing lanes in zone coverage. Speights also brings hustle and solid speed to the field, often contributing to gang tackles downfield.
However, there are notable concerns in Speights’ profile as well. He is undersized with short arms and a thick build, potentially limiting his physical development. Speights struggles to hold his ground and shed blocks in the running game, which could pose challenges at the NFL level. Furthermore, his movement skills are questioned, particularly in coverage situations where he may struggle against tight ends and running backs, as well as in open space tackling scenarios where his change-of-direction ability and hip flexibility come into question.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Speights’ draft stock, the Raiders are wisely conducting due diligence on the linebacker given their positional needs. While the Raiders currently boast Divine Deablo and Robert Spillane atop their depth chart for the 2024 season, both are slated to become free agents in 2025, leaving the team with limited depth behind them. Speights, though potentially a developmental project, could offer value, particularly on special teams, in his rookie season if he lands a roster spot. Thus, the Raiders’ interest in Speights serves as a prudent move to address their linebacker depth and explore potential future contributors.