Chargers LB Drue Tranquill makes impact in expanded role vs. Chiefs

After missing nearly his entire sophomore season with an ankle injury, Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill entered the summer with the presumption that he was going to return to the starting lineup alongside Kenneth Murray.

Instead, Kyzir White emerged and beat out Tranquill for the second starting inside linebacker spot during training camp after having arguably the best showings by any defender on the roster.

In the first two games of the season, Tranquill only played a total of 14 defensive snaps, while continuing to make his money on special teams as a core-four player.

While Tranquill remained on the sideline, Murray struggled to find his footing in this defense, which then led to Brandon Staley’s decision that a change was needed at the position.

In the victory over the Chiefs, Tranquill played 34 defensive snaps, the most this season. He replaced Murray early in the second quarter and stayed in the rotation for the remainder of the game.

Great things happen when #Chargers LB Drue Tranquill is on the field.

Despite all of the injuries he’s sustained dating back to college, Tranquill competes at a high level with the athleticism, instincts and toughness to make plays vs. the run and in coverage. pic.twitter.com/rQ7CtOLtQH

— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) September 27, 2021

Great example of Tranquill’s play making ability (7:07 Q2):
•Chiefs in 11p
•LAC in dime
•Tranquill starts outside the near hash
•Screen pass goes to opposite side of field
•Tranquill reads it, runs from the near hash to the far numbers, shoots the gap, makes the play. pic.twitter.com/wzsA5dGNQd

— The Lightning Round Podcast (@Lightning_Round) September 27, 2021

Showing the athleticism, instincts and relentless energy to make plays against the pass and run, Tranquill accounted for nine tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit.

Dating back to 2014, Tranquill has dealt with five significant injuries, including one last year. However, you wouldn’t be able to justify that with how he leaves it all on the field and is around the ball on a weekly basis.

In his rookie season in 2019, Tranquill racked up 64 tackles (50 solo), four tackles for loss and one pass defended.

Going forward, Tranquill should continue to see a hefty workload. If he remains healthy, the 26-year old will be an integral piece on defense.