It can be difficult for players to acclimate to new systems after changing teams in free agency, but Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill seems to be fitting right in with his new squad at training camp in St. Joseph.
Steve Spagnuolo singled out the fifth-year veteran after Monday’s workouts, noting Tranquill’s dedication to learning the Chiefs’ playbook and willingness to lead his defensive unit through practices.
“I’ve had a bunch of free agents come to systems in the years I’ve been here and sometimes it takes a little while for guys to get comfortable with their surroundings [and] with their teammates,” Spagnuolo explained. “Drue [Tranquill], it’s like he stepped right in, and he’s been here for three years in terms of communicating with his teammates, what he did off the field, how much of a pro he is. He’s had a great influence on not just the linebacker room but the defense in general.”
With this endorsement, Tranquill seems to be well on his way to earning a significant role in Spagnuolo’s defense. He will be competing with Nick Bolton and Willie Gay Jr. for snaps, so any favor he can curry with the long-tenured defensive coordinator now is sure to pay off when the regular season starts in September.
