NFL Training Camp 2018: 12 Rookies who can carve out significant roles

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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 02: Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu #42 of the USC Trojans reacts against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

3. Uchenna Nwosu, LB, Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers needed to get a better athlete at outside linebacker. Kyle Emmanuel has done what he could, but his limited athleticism makes him a liability. Nwosu, however, does have excellent athletic traits that make him valuable.

He’s smooth, fast and has the quick twitch that’s enough to drop into coverage. In fact, at USC he had 19 pass defenses over two seasons. Nwosu would have to improve instinctively and prove that he doesn’t stop to win the starting job.

4. Breeland Speaks, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs

Breeland Speaks is 6-3, 285 pounds and a player who needs to prove he’s stout at the point of attack. The Chiefs struggled mightily against the run, and Speaks has the girth and power to dominate as a defender. Moreover, the Chiefs valued Speaks’ relentlessness as a pass rusher. He’s a good athlete for his size who’ll be an improvement over Dee Ford.

Ford hasn’t lived up to expectations. In his 51 games, he has 17.5 sacks. Speaks will need to get stronger in order to prove effective in the area that made the Chiefs vulnerable. In camp, if Speaks can rush the quarterback effectively, then he could undoubtedly win the starting spot opposite Justin Houstin.

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