FOXBORO — One of the Patriots’ biggest rookie standouts [through two weeks](https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/09/20/best-and-worst-what-we-learned-from-patriots-20-3-ugly-win-over-steelers/) is an unlikely candidate.
Linebacker Namdi Obiazor, [a sixth-round pick](https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/04/25/patriots-fill-biggest-remaining-need-with-212th-overall-pick-in-2026-nfl-draft/) out of TCU, has been excellent on special teams, recording five tackles in two games. He’s tied for second in the NFL behind Steelers safety Robert Spears-Jennings, who has seven special-teams tackles.
“I think he has really improved,” head coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday. “I would say just for young players, sometimes NFL special teams is a little different, right? The punt is different; our kickoff is different. But the guys you’re going against, too, they’re special teams, that’s what they do, and they’ve got the tricks of the trade we talked about. But I think he’s really learned quickly and improved each and every week from training camp, and it’s been really good to see him translate that not only on his coverage units but also in protection. Talking about the kickoff return, he’s done a really nice job with that. So, excited for him to have some success and keep going, pile up the tackles.”
Obiazor didn’t play on special teams often at TCU beyond his freshman season.
So, what’s the key to piling up those tackles on special teams for a rookie?
“I think it’s just a mindset thing. I tell myself I’m only out there for one play, so I might as well just give it my all,” Obiazor said. “And I’ve been playing linebacker or defense my whole life, so going out there, special teams, trying to tackle somebody really isn’t different.”
Obiazor hasn’t played on defense this season, but he’s fourth on the depth chart behind starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss and top backup Darius Muasau.
He’s hoping that special teams is a path to more playing time.
“The main thing, just being a rookie, is just trying to earn a role and find my spot on the team,” Obiazor said. “So, I feel like special teams is kind of that first step. So I’m just trying to own that right now.”
The 24-year-old rookie has impressive athleticism for his position. He ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
He believes he’s trending in the right direction on defense.
“I feel like I’m still learning,” Obiazor said. “Definitely more comfortable than when I first got here, but definitely I can see myself taking some more steps there.”
Spillane and Elliss both had excellent performances in the Patriots’ Week 2 win. Muasau has more experience than Obiazor if the Patriots did eventually deal with injuries at the position.
The Patriots have also seen positive output from rookie second-round pick Gabe Jacas and third-rounder Eli Raridon. Jacas has a sack and an interception at edge defender, while, Raridon has caught two passes for 32 yards, including a touchdown.