Spears as a nickel backer in 2026

I’m in the group of fans who believe Patrick Queen is a liability in coverage and misses way too many tackles. His PFF grades and tackling numbers are alarmingly bad, especially when you factor in that sky-high cap hit. Look, on 1st-and-10 or 2nd-and-5? I’m fine playing Queen in 2026.

But he is not a three-down linebacker.So the real question is: what do we do on 3rd-and-3+ when we go nickel?I say play Wilson at one linebacker spot. For the other, I give rookie Spears a real shot.Spears brings elite speed (4.32), forces fumbles, and covers at least as well as Queen — probably better.

His Oklahoma coaches (including assistant head coach/secondary Joe Whitt Jr.) raved about his adaptability, calling him a true “plug-and-play” defender who can drop deep or play near the box. He also posted a very low missed-tackle rate in college. Hmmm ...

Let him star on special teams kick coverage while we adding 10–15 pounds to his frame so he can hold up better at the point of attack. He has the tools to become a true hybrid safety/linebacker. He may not have NFL bloodlines, but he comes from a strong military family background — both parents served in the Navy, grandfather in the Army. That usually translates to high character, toughness, and serious work ethic.

What do you all think? Is Spears worth developing as a nickel/hybrid LB in 2026, or am I reaching?

 

Is that type of player worth developing?? Yes. Almost every team in the NFL is looking for a guy or three to fill that role.

Is Spears that guy? Dubious. It would mean that every team in the league missed that projection. Because if it is a role he is capable of filling at the NFL level...he would've been a third round pick.

 

Um no, first of all if Queen was as big of a liability in coverage as you are making him out to be then opposing teams would just exploit him when hes on the field. They wouldnt just wait for a specific scenario allow you to sub and foil their plans. This is also assuming that a 7th round safety is an incredible cover guy who will convert to linebacker while also being a special teams star, not reaching at all, I have no notes.

 

How many threads are you going to start to hype a seventh-round pick?

 

Maybe you and I have different standards.

Yes, Queen was a liability in coverage.



Patrick Queen’s 2025 season had some challenges in coverage and tackling, per @PFF:

31 missed tackles (highest among qualifying defenders)
21.2% missed-tackle rate


91 targets
71 receptions allowed (75% completion rate)
814 yards allowed (8.9 yards per target)
3 touchdowns allowed
114.9 passer rating when target


Teams did target him in coverage. He wasn't a big liabilty you say?


If I were the opposing OC, make sure the QB targets #6.

Force the QB to throw at #6 early and often. He allowed 75% completions last season and gave up significant yards after catch. He also misses too many tackles in space — look to exploit him with quick game, slants, and YAC opportunities. Have no fear, Mr. QB. Despite 91 targets, Queen had zero interceptions in 2025.

Tomlin consistently struggled with situational football (clock, down & distance, red zone, 2-minute drill). My hope is Graham is sharper in those areas IE. Put a new man in there on obvious passing downs..


I want this X rat off the field on 3rd downs. Hopefully with Tomlin gone ( he ran the defense ) things will change.

- JB

 

LoL

 

I didnt say he had a good year in coverage, what im saying and stay with me, if he is so bad then why wait until 3rd down to pass on him? Also if you were going to put a guy out there in obvious pass situations for coverage why throw out a 7th round safety, why not just put an extra established corner on the field?

 

You didn't read what I wrote.


I said,

I am okay with Queen vs. the run. We do not have a better run defending LB so I will have to live with his numerous missed tackles. But we have better LB's vs. the pass. There is no good reason why he should play on 3rd down and 5 or more yards to go. Are you suggesting Queen should play on these types of downs? A reply to that question would be apperciated.


The player I am suggesting as a possible sub for Queen on 3rd and long is a good tackler ( bigger and stronger than all the cornerbacks we have ) and faster too.

 

and a glazed donut to GO!!!!

 

First a special teams ace, now a nickel backer... This kid is going to be a sure fire Hall-of-Famer by the time Training Camp is out.

 

Nickle Spears

Reminds me of the days when a jar of pickles sat on the bar

 

Where are you getting your stats?

PFR has Queen at 69% completion rate allowed; 58 comp on 84 targets, 2 TDs allowed, 100 passer rating

 

https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/patrick-queen/57941

 

I still love that album

 

With a jar of pickled eggs, and some peanuts in a bowl.

 

I thought Skyscraper was his best solo album.

 

I love both, but I only seen them live during Eat em , and Smile.

 

If you trace the history of pickled eggs in the US it goes way back to the King of France

 

Hmmm
Well he had great taste. I freaking love them. I love them so much that they never make it the desired time for being done because I eat them ahead of time. LoL

 

Farmers needed help and the King thought people spent too much time in taverns

So he required all taverns to sell eggs

To keep them from spoiling they pickled them

When they immigrated to the US it was something they wanted

 

Love the History lesson. I usually know stuff like this, but not that one.
All I can say now is........Thank You France for something. You took away me going to see the Steelers play the Saints in NO, but You gave me pickled eggs.

 

- Patrick Henry

 

You saying a founding father took away my Steelers game???
LoL

 

My Uncle Bob ate a bunch of pickled eggs and beets and then went to the bar. They didn't mix well with his beer and he threw up all over the bar floor. The bartender thought he was hemorrhaging blood and called an ambulance only for them to discover that it was beets and eggs all over the floor.