The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Robert Spears-Jennings, a safety from Oklahoma, with their first 7th-round pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
By drafting Spears-Jennings, Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy finally addressed safety, which was the top area on the Steelers 2026 Draft Needs Matrix. Like all 7th-round draft picks, shining on special teams will be Robert Spears-Jennings’ ticket to a roster spot.
Steelers 2026 7th round draft pick Robert Spears-Jennings intercepts a pass for the Sooners. Photo Credit: Sooners Scoop
But the Steelers see him as more than a special teams player, indicated by the fact that they sent out secondary coach Joe Whitt to discuss the pick with reporters.
And, in explaining the pick, Whitt implicitly conceded that safety was indeed a high-priority need for the Steelers, revealing “He has the skill set we were looking for earlier. We just addressed different needs.”
Yes, that certainly sounds the like an assistant coach who fought — and lost — a battle to take a safety earlier in the draft.
Robert Spears-Jennings Highlights: Oklahoma Safety Film Breakdown
Robert Spears-Jennings played for the Oklahoma Sooners for four years and appeared in 47 games. Per College Football Reference he made 147 tackles, registered 2.5 sacks and intercepted 2 passes.
Watch his highlights with the Oklahoma Sooners below:
Key takeaways: Spears-Jennings projects as a physical depth safety who can contribute immediately on special teams while developing into a rotational defensive back.
Robert Spears-Jennings’ Path to Making the Steelers 53-Man Roster
At first glance, Spears-Jennings has an easier path to making the 53 man roster than most 7th round picks given that the only safeties the Steelers have on the roster with NFL experience are DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker with Jalen Ramsey working in as a “chess piece.”
That leaves 2025 undrafted rookie free agent Sebastian Castro and futures-signee Jack Henderson as Robert Spears-Jennings only real competition.
Of course, if the long-rumored Steelers signing of Darnell Savage becomes true, then Spears-Jennings’ chances of making the roster will become a lot harder.
But for now, welcome to Steelers Nation Robert Spears-Jennings.
