During Wednesday’s training camp press conference, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo praised the undrafted rookie linebackers’ performances.
“Both those guys (Cooper McDonald and Brandon George). I don’t know how early you guys (reporters) get out there for practice. But if you were, if you’re early to a practice or early to a walk-through, you’re going to see those three young linebackers always out there working on something mentally,” said Spagnuolo, “And that’s because that position in this defense takes a lot of volume. You’ve got to be really smart. Those two guys, in particular, have done a really good job. Coop was a really good find. If you remember, we got him in the rookie mini camp as a three-day tryout guy, and I thought in the one-on-ones against the running backs, he did a nice job.”
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McDonald played for TCU after spending seasons each at Washington and San Diego State. In his last college season, he contributed three sacks and a forced fumble in nine games.
George stood out in his pro day tester with a 42.5″ vertical and 4.66 40 time at 6 feet 3 inches and 246 pounds. He played primarily on special teams during his six seasons at Pittsburgh, but his intangibles in that role have made him a valued signing who can make game-changing plays.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo comments on undrafted linebackers in camp