Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tyson Jackson has struggled to live up to his billing as a top 5 draft pick during his first four seasons in the NFL. Jackson has seen two different head coaches and two different defensive coordinators with two different ideas of how to utilize the No. 3 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Now with yet another change in the coaching staff of the Chiefs, Jackson is having to adapt to a new defensive scheme all over again. However, this time, Jackson is leaving an impression for all the right reasons.
According to Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star, Jackson is making a mark with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey.
“I’m very impressed with Tyson,” Reid said. “I’ve been impressed since we’ve been together here. Not many guys are going to outwork him on the field.”
Jackson had to learn how to play in a 3-4 defense after being a 4-3 defensive end during his time at LSU. His role changed again with the change in coordinators from Clancy Pendergast to Romeo Crennel after his first season. Now he’s being asked to adapt again with new techniques under defensive coordinator Brian Sutton and defensive line coach Tommy Brasher.
So far, the Chiefs like they way he’s handled the changes.
“I like how guys gravitate to him,” Dorsey said. “He’s looked upon as one of the leaders of this team. I can’t wait to see him get in pads and actually play in this defense. I think this defense will help him. I see a guy who has a chance to do some things in this defense.”