Pittsburgh Steelers fans know all about hard-hitting defensive backs willing to put their body on the line to make a big tackle, so Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings will be the perfect throwback that Steeler Nation will adore.
The Steelers on Saturday got a steal in Spears-Jennings with the 224th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He was the fifth Sooner off the board right before tight end Jaren Kanak became the sixth with the very next pick to the Tennessee Titans.
Robert Spears-Jennings fits the DB mold in Pittsburgh after Oklahoma career
Spears-Jennings spent his entire four-year career with the Sooners, which is rare in college football today and immediately reveals loyalty to his new fan base. He appeared in 47 games and totaled 25 starts, with most coming the last two seasons.
Last season as a senior, Spears-Jennings recorded 59 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception, two pass breakups and a forced fumble in 13 games while starting all but the season opener. He was second on the team with 66 tackles in 2024 and forced four fumbles, partly thanks to his teeth-rattling blows.
That Robert Spears-Jennings sack is still on my mind. Zac Alley turned up that HEAT! ⭕️🙌🧬 #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/xmnhjSyJPC
— Jay☝️ (@unfairsports) September 29, 2024
Spears-Jennings, according to his NFL.com prospect profile, is projected to be an average backup as a pro. He can also immediately contribute on special teams for the Steelers, especially with his 4.32 speed. Although Spears-Jennings could certainly outdo those expectations, even just becoming a long-term backup for the Steelers that will make plays throughout his career would still be a gem coming out of the final round of the draft.
His NFL.com analysis also includes strengths "erases space downhill and fills the front like a linebacker," "crashes weight into targets to immediately stop runs," and "striking power to intimidate receivers over the middle." All further solidify his mold as a classic Steelers defensive back that fans will love no matter how long he's in Pittsburgh.
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