Robert Spears-Jennings

NFL Draft Profile: Robert Spears-Jennings

Position: Safety | School: Oklahoma | Class: Senior

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 219 lbs | Archetype: Box Safety / Enforcer

College Career Summary

Robert Spears-Jennings is a physical, high-motor safety who played a vital "enforcer" role in Brent Venables’ aggressive defensive system. A native of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, he chose the Sooners as a four-star recruit and track standout. After serving as a depth piece and special teams contributor early in his career, he exploded onto the scene in 2024, leading the nation in forced fumbles for a safety (4) and finishing second on the team in tackles.

In 2025, Spears-Jennings transitioned into a full-time leadership role following the departure of Billy Bowman to the NFL. While his ball production was more modest in his final year, his presence in the "alley" and his ability to trigger downhill remained elite. He leaves Norman with a reputation as one of the most violent strikers in the SEC, possessing a rare combination of 215+ lb bulk and track-star speed.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 46

• Total Tackles: 176

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 8.0

• Sacks: 2.5

• Interceptions: 2

• Forced Fumbles: 5

• Pass Breakups (PD): 4

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
@ Temple	4 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Clean opener; elite closing speed on perimeter.
vs. Auburn	6 Tkl	B	Solid run support; limited big plays in the middle.
vs. Kent State	3 Tkl	B	Played limited snaps in a blowout; sound discipline.
vs. Texas	5 Tkl	C+	Weakness. Struggled with tackling angles against elite speed.
@ South Carolina	4 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B+	Aggressive in the box; effectively blew up a screen.
vs. Ole Miss	7 Tkl	B-	High volume, but caught out of position on two deep crossers.
@ Tennessee	6 Tkl, 1 FF	A-	Star Impact. Forced a key fumble that shifted momentum.
@ Alabama	5 Tkl	B+	Mental Toughness. Physicality stood out in a gritty win.
vs. Missouri	4 Tkl	A-	Play Recognition. Clinical in diagnosing the ground game.
vs. LSU	8 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	A	High Motor. Everywhere on the field in a defensive slugfest.
SEC Title Game	5 Tkl, 1 INT	A	Clutch. Massive interception in the biggest game of the year.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Hit Power: Spears-Jennings is a true "old school" hitter. He creates significant knock-back power and is a primary reason for Oklahoma's turnover success in 2024–25.

• Track Background: His Acceleration is top-tier for a player of his size. He can trigger from 15 yards deep and meet a ball carrier at the line of scrimmage in a flash.

• Prototypical Size: At nearly 220 lbs, he looks like a modern NFL linebacker but moves like a safety. He meets all Physical Tools thresholds.

• Versatility in the Box: He is best utilized as an "overhang" defender or a "Robber" where he can keep his eyes on the QB and react forward.

Weaknesses

• Coverage Spacing: Despite his speed, he can be a bit of a "high-waisted" athlete. This leads to stiffness in his transitions when forced to mirror twitchy slot receivers in Man coverage.

• Aggression Management: He is so eager to deliver the big hit that he will occasionally drop his head and miss the wrap, leading to "reckless" missed tackles.

• Medical Checks: He has dealt with minor shoulder and lower-body stingers throughout his career due to his violent playstyle; teams will look closely at his Durability.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Strong Safety or Big Nickel in a Cover 1 / Cover 3 aggressive scheme (e.g., Seahawks, Jets, or Cowboys).

NFL Comparison: Kam Chancellor (Seahawks) - Lite

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 20/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 91/100

Robert Spears-Jennings is a polarizing prospect because his floor is tied to his coverage development, but his ceiling is a Pro Bowl-level enforcer. In a league that has become smaller and faster, Spears-Jennings brings the "violence" back to the secondary. While he might not be a "centerfielder" who picks off 5 passes a year, he is a player that offensive coordinators have to account for on every snap because of his ability to dislodge the ball. His track speed at 219 lbs will likely make him a "Combine Warrior," potentially pushing him higher than his tape alone might suggest.

Draft Projection: 3rd Round