Irish in the NFL: Drue Tranquill paces Chargers defense
By J.P. Scott
Former Notre Dame linebacker Drue Tranquill is having an extremely productive 2019 NFL preseason for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Many people were surprised during the 2019 NFL Draft when Drue Tranquill went off the board in the 4th round to the Los Angeles Chargers. It wasn’t so much a knock on Tranquill, just surprising that we hadn’t heard Te’von Coney’s name yet.
Most people who follow the draft and Notre Dame felt like Coney was more suited to the NFL and that Tranquill had question marks in terms of size, experience at the true linebacker spot, and injuries.
Apparently we were all wrong, and Drue Tranquill has spent the 2019 NFL preseason proving that.
Last night, in a 23-15 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Tranquill led the Chargers will nine total tackles. So far this preseason, he has logged 16 tackles and an interception. He’s leads the team in tackles right now.
It would appear his athleticism trumps what he lacks in size. Today’s pass-heavy NFL offenses dictate what kind of athletes you need on the defensive side of the ball to keep up. Tranquill — a former safety — provides the versatility necessary to not only roam sideline to sideline to make tackles, but also adequately provide coverage against running backs, receivers and tight ends.
Right now, it looks like Tranquill will have no problem making the Chargers’ roster. Additionally, his production and skill set are going to make it tough for the Los Angeles coaching staff to keep him off the field in during the 2019 NFL regular season.
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Barring injury, Drue Tranquill has the look of a guy who can fit into the modern NFL game and play for a very long time at a high level. Keep an eye on the Charger depth chart, as we could very well see him rise into the two-deep — possibly even winning a starting job — by the end of the 2019 campaign.