The Pittsburgh Steelers ended their preseason with a 28-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills, but the final score carried little importance compared to what the coaching staff learned about its young players. One rookie safety appears to have made a particularly strong impression on a respected veteran.
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Robert Spears-Jennings goes through drills during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Robert Spears-Jennings entered the NFL as the 224th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Seventh-round picks normally face difficult paths to the roster, but the former Oklahoma safety has continued giving Pittsburgh reasons to believe he can offer more than his draft position suggests.
Elandon Roberts spent much of his time after returning to Pittsburgh working alongside younger defenders. That provided the veteran linebacker with a close look at Spears-Jennings, and one part of the rookie's approach immediately captured his attention. Roberts praised the rookie's maturity while speaking with Missi Matthews after the game.
"Spears, Spears, Spears. Yeah, he's impressive, just with how he communicates," Roberts said after the preseason finale. "You know, I've been going with the younger guys since I've been back. I've been getting a few moments with the older guys, but for him to be so young and communicating the way he does, I turn around, he goes, 'What's this?' and communicates it to me and gets it right to me."
Communication may not generate highlights, but it can determine whether an NFL defense functions properly. Safeties must diagnose formations, relay calls and ensure every defender understands his responsibility before the football is snapped. That job becomes especially challenging for a rookie surrounded by veterans who have already seen nearly every offensive look. Spears-Jennings is still learning Pittsburgh's terminology, teammates and expectations, yet Roberts indicated that he has not been afraid to speak.
The more revealing portion of the praise concerned what happened when the rookie needed something different from Roberts. Spears-Jennings did not remain quiet because he was communicating with an accomplished veteran. He confidently explained what he needed to execute his own assignment.
"Then it's kind of funny, but he's mature enough to come up to me and say, 'Hey, can you do this when you do that? Because I'm trying...'" Roberts said. "I'm like, 'Okay, okay, young buck.'"
That exchange revealed confidence without disrespect. Spears-Jennings recognized a problem, communicated directly with Roberts and attempted to improve the operation of the entire defense. A young player capable of handling that conversation is showing an understanding that extends beyond his individual assignment.
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Steelers' Robert Spears-Jennings during the 2026 offseason.
Roberts appreciated the request because he understands that veteran status does not make anyone perfect. If Spears-Jennings needs to hear a specific call to play fast and remain properly aligned, Roberts must help create that clarity.
"I appreciate that, though, because I'm not great at everything," Roberts said. "It's not even that I wasn't great, but as a safety, he has to hear that call, so he's got to communicate too if he's not getting it."
Pittsburgh needs that kind of accountability from its younger players. Coaches can correct mistakes during meetings, but defenders must solve problems themselves while the game is moving. Hesitation or unclear communication can turn a manageable situation into an explosive play.
Spears-Jennings arrived with experience in college at Norman, appearing in 47 games across four seasons and starting 12 contests during his final year. That background does not guarantee NFL success, but it helps explain why he may appear more comfortable communicating than a typical seventh-round rookie. Roberts concluded his assessment with the strongest endorsement. The Steelers do not merely appreciate Spears-Jennings' maturity. They believe they need the quality he has already demonstrated.
"I feel like him just being a young rookie and coming up to me about that was a great show of maturity," Roberts said. "And we need that."
Steelers May Have Found More Than A Seventh-Round Project
Spears-Jennings still must earn his role through special teams, dependable tackling and consistent defensive execution. One compliment from Roberts does not guarantee a roster spot or an immediate place in Pittsburgh's safety rotation. However, the character trait Roberts identified can accelerate his development.
Players who ask direct questions, communicate their needs and accept responsibility give veterans and coaches something meaningful to build upon. Pittsburgh may have quietly found a rookie who already understands how professional defenders must work together.
Has Spears-Jennings shown enough to secure his place on the 53-man roster, and could the seventh-round pick eventually become a legitimate contributor? Share your Steelers opinions with me on X (@anthonyghalkias), and follow for more Pittsburgh football coverage and discussion.
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