Going into training camp, many wondered how the Pittsburgh Steelers would handle some of their weakest links on the roster. One of those positions of concern is at safety. No, no one is worried about the starting spots with Jaquan Brisker and DeShon Elliott in the fold, but the depth behind them was a problem.
After the start of training camp, those concerns are disappearing.
After signing free agent Rayshawn Jenkins to provide a proven veteran to the roster, the Steelers still had some concerns. They added Jenkins to give the depth chart added starting experience behind Brisker and Elliott. Behind those three are unproven players in the NFL. Both Sebastian Castro and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings are battling for the final spot on the team.
With little anticipation going into camp, many counted out Spears-Jennings. The Steelers selected him in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but he proved to be good value at the time. Now that he has gotten into the thick of things in Pittsburgh, he is gaining ground on earning a job. His solid start at training camp might hush those concerned about the safety position.
Pittsburgh Steelers might rely on Robert Spears-Jennings training camp performance to fix roster issue
Opportunities are only positive if you take them in stride when they come your way. That is exactly what Robert Spears-Jennings has done during the beginning of training camp. With DeShon Elliott not practicing fully yet as he nurses his way back from last season's injury, the rookie defensive back is taking advantage. He has earned playing time with the first team and has made some plays.
Another interesting wrinkle is the closeness that the coaching staff is working with Spears-Jennings. His secondary coach, Joe Whitt, is someone constantly in his ear, trying to work out some problems in his game. The early focus on giving the rookie more snaps while Elliott is unavailable speaks volumes about where he is as a player.
Keep an eye on Spears-Jennings during the remainder of training camp and the preseason. His chances of earning a significant role on defense are low for now, but if he keeps up his current pace, that could change for the better. His athleticism is something that enticed many teams in the draft process, and that could lead to him turning into a starting-caliber player someday.
With Brisker, Jenkins, and Elliott set to make the roster, it will be up to Robert Spears-Jennings to show he is worth keeping around.
This is a massive test for the rookie when it comes to him making the team. If he doesn't keep up this pace for the remainder of training camp, he could get cut.
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