Steve Spagunolo pinpoints one defensive star who is not as ‘vocal’ as they want him to be in OTAs

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The Kansas City Chiefs have drawn the curtain on their latest voluntary workout sessions but Steve Spagunolo demands more presence from one defensive player.

The franchise is ticking off its OTAs as they come closer to the conclusion of the spring program and get ready for their summer preseason.

Chiefs Kingdom has its sights set on a three-peat crown but they owe the opportunity to Steve Spagunolo and his defensive front.

The Chiefs’ offense struggled in patches and was kept competitive by the defense

Patrick Mahomes and the offense lacked noticeable chemistry throughout the regular season but found their groove after defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Day.

Moreover, the two-time MVP through no fault of his own, was failing to connect with his receivers.

The Kansas City Chiefs dropped a league-high 25 passes throughout the 2023 regular season.

Therefore, the Chiefs have cut ties with multiple wideout men like Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Mecole Hardman

In addition, they have replenished the roster with speedy targets free-agent Marquise Brown and rookie record-holder Xavier Worthy.

Chiefs defense shines in 2023 but they lost one key piece in the offseason

Fortunately, it was the Chiefs’ defensive unit that picked up the slack being dropped by the offense to keep them competitive in games.

However, they have not been able to keep one key asset of the defensive secondary. L’Jarius Sneed has parted ways and joined the Tennessee Titans via a trade.

The Chiefs will be looking at the defensive back core to step up by committee to soften the blow in his absence.

Furthermore, the Chiefs’ defensive back coach Dave Merritt has said that trying to replace Sneed is like trying to replace Michael Jordan.

The Chiefs have been one of the best franchises when it comes to developing secondary talent.

Steve Spagunolo is a big fan of Jaden Hicks but demands him to use his voice more

They are excited by the rookie prospect Jaden Hicks joining their young line-up.

Steve Spagunolo was questioned about Hicks during the open media OTA session and he was quick to praise the corner.

“We’ve got him all over the place. . . he made a really great play today down toward the end zone at the end of practice. . . he’s not as vocal as we need our safeties to be because he doesn’t know (the playbook) yet,” per Chiefs reporter Charles Goodman.

Hicks is still adapting to his new life in the NFL but must learn fast

Despite impressing Spagnuolo in practice, the four-time Super Bowl-winning coach wants Hicks to become more vocal in the future.

Nonetheless, he has pinned that down to the fact the rookie is still learning the playbook and adapting to life in training.

Ultimately, the Chiefs star has a bright future and is in one of the best institutions to be nurtured.

Hicks will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of ex-Chief Sneed and current teammate Trent McDuffie.