Steelers' Robert Spears-Jennings Could Have A Reduced Role Despite Taking Important First-Team Reps In Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers are kicking off 2026 training camp and have just started putting the pads on. Things will be different this season, as there will not be live tackling, but fans are hoping things remain physical. Among that massive change, though, there are plenty of storylines for a veteran-led team that has had an influx of young talent with 10 draftees joining the roster, and all are looking to make their mark early and often. Training camp is the perfect place to put that on display, and though Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff are starting some of the rookies off slowly, some are already earning first-team reps. 

Pittsburgh's accumulation of 12 draft picks resulted in 10 players being selected when the 2026 NFL Draft was said and done. The Black and Gold intend to keep all of their rookies for at least one season, so this is a good sign for them in their hopes of making the team. As in any camp, some players are fighting to make the team or establish themselves as starters. Pittsburgh's camp is no exception, and the rookies are trying to get acclimated while also proving they can be a helpful addition to the roster early on. 

For the Steelers' seventh-round pick, safety Robert Spears-Jennings, things are going in a similar direction. It's hard enough to make a 53-man roster as a seventh-rounder, but the secondary is loaded. There is something that sets the rookie apart though: speed. Spears-Jennings ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and that, mixed with his special teams prowess, could make for an interesting story. He's gotten some work in with the first-team defense already, which means plenty of eyes are on him. 

In a recent chat with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, the writer revealed that special teams will be the sole way Spears-Jennings will make the team right now. 

"His best shot for now will be proving he can play special teams. But his speed will make coaches take notice, which is why they drafted him," Dulac wrote. 

Spears-Jennings will likely have to make his mark playing special teams first, which makes sense for a rookie taken in the seventh round. With his play alongside some of the team's starters however, this could give him a chance to display more than that. The safety has extreme speed, but is also great at making downhill stops. Though his coverage skills need some work, his ability to recognize plays at the line of scrimmage makes him intriguing as a player who can play in the box on defense.

The speed will come into play well on punt- and kick-coverage teams, which will probably be the main proponent for him making the roster. Pittsburgh's coverage teams left a lot to be desired in 2025, and adding someone like Spears-Jennings could be the perfect remedy. Under a new special teams coordinator, Danny Crossman, he'll have plenty of young, speedy talent at his disposal, including Spears-Jennings.

How Does Spears-Jennings Stack Up In A Steelers Safety Room Looking For Answers? 

The Steelers' safeties were nothing short of disappointing in 2026. Pittsburgh lost its most important starter at the position, DeShon Elliott, pretty early into the season, and it was all downhill from there. Elliott has slowly been eased into work through training camp, and the front office made a big signing in the offseason in Jaquan Brisker. Beyond those two, who are probable to start the season, the depth behind them is almost wide open. 

This is where Spears-Jennings can make an impact. Not only could he be a great special teams coverage guy, but if he proves he can take on a larger role, this could be solid young depth. The coaching staff must hope that he can continue to develop, and getting work in with the starters early will only help him get to where he wants to be.

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