Chiefs’ second year linebacker Cooper McDonald fighting for starting spot on Kansas City’s defense

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) - Kansas City Chiefs undrafted free agent linebacker Cooper McDonald enters year two with the Chiefs, and what a difference a year makes.

Last season, McDonald was just grinding to earn a roster spot. This time around, he's competing to be a possible starter on the Kansas City defense that lost Leo Chenal in the offseason to free agency.

"Last year, I didn't feel any pressure at all, and I think that's what really helped me out last year. Now coming into this year, there's a little more pressure, a little more responsibility on my part, competing for a starting job right now," said McDonald. "As we go through Training Camp, one of the hardest Training Camps there is in the NFL, I really take pride in what I do, I'm always running after the ball, doing a lot of extra things for us."

McDonald looks to use the knowledge he gained from Chenal last season and will now look to use it to possibly replace his spot on the team.

"Leo was great, I learned a lot from Leo. I miss that guy, he's awesome. I was actually doing some film study over him this offseason. Just trying to take little bits and pieces of his game and apply it to my game," said McDonald. "He was an elite player that did a lot for us andf I'm trying to do the same as well."