Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill was lights out in his first professional season.
For his efforts, Tranquill was named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Rookie team as a special teamer.
Tranquill, the fourth-round selection of the 2019 NFL draft, made an impact as early as last summer in camp, showing his high football IQ to quickly get adapted to the new playbook.
That translated to the field, where he was seen making plays on a consistent basis, whether that was at the linebacker position or on special teams. As the season went on he grew into an integral part of the defense.
In the 15 games played, three of which he started, Tranquill racked up 64 tackles (50 solo), four tackles for loss and one pass defended. On top of that, he finished with the most special teams tackles by any rookie (11).
With durability concerns continuing to loom around Denzel Perryman, Tranquill could very well be in contention to earn the permanent starting middle linebacker role in 2020.