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Robert Spillane Discusses His Progression in the NFL

New Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane took a big step forward last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Las Vegas Raiders inside linebacker Robert Spillane made his presence felt last season in what was a key campaign for his professional career.

Spillane played in all but one game for the Pittsburgh Steelers, which marked a career-high for the 27-year-old linebacker. He made five starts and finished the season with a career-high 79 tackles.

"I've tried to progress throughout my NFL journey, not only as a player, but as a man," Spillane said in his introductory press conference on Thursday. "And I think I've continually taken the next right step and that's what's important for me -- what's that next right step. And that was to come out here and sign with this opportunity, and so excited to be here, to give the city and organization all I have. So I continue on my journey, and I look forward to it."

Spillane's big opportunity came after Week 6 last season when Pittsburgh's starting middle linebacker Devin Bush tore his ACL.

"I love being a vocal leader on the defense," Spillane said. "Sometimes in this business, it's somebody's misfortune that gives you an opportunity to perform. So when he went down, I was given the opportunity to step in and be that starting middle linebacker, and I felt like I took that and I ran with it. I love going out there and playing, so I want to be on the field for every opportunity that I can be, and I fight to be on the field. So I'll continue to do that."

Spillane played every defensive and special teams snap in the Steelers' final four games.

"It's a mentality," Spillane said. "You know, you grow up playing football, you play offense, defense, special teams -- you play 100 percent of the snaps. I played Chicago Catholic League-style football my whole life, and that's hard-nosed, physical football. So I built my body to be able to withstand an NFL season, and I've proven that over the years, so I look forward to continuing to show that."

The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period began at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15

The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

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