'We collaborate better here than anywhere I've ever been' --Steve Spagnuolo details the Chiefs' process of evaluating talent

Good drafting and savvy free agent signings have played a big role in the Chiefs' success over the years.

How have they been so consistent at it? While appearing on Travis and Jason Kelce's New Heights podcast, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said that Kansas City's front office and coaching staff collaborate better than anywhere he has ever been.

"Give (general manager) Brett Veach and his crew a lot of credit," Spagnuolo said. "We collaborate better here than anywhere I've ever been. I'm talking about personnel and coaching. And I think that is one of the keys to successful play here."

Four of the Chiefs' seven 2025 draft picks were on the defensive side of the ball. Although none of them will likely be starters during their first year, they should all have the opportunity to make an impact as rotational players and special teams contributors. Spagnuolo went on to detail how he evaluates his rookies.

"I'll be keeping my eyes on those guys that pick it up the quickest," Spagnulo said. "Now, some of these guys coming in here, they're going to be swimming. But you can weed out the ones right away that can't. We purposely put too much install in, but we do it on purpose to see who can handle it. And so the first thing I'll look at is guys that can get it mentally. And the next thing will be the guys that can play more than one position. If you're a guy that's a nickel safety or a nickel corner, or if you're a guy that is a defensive end that can kick inside on third down. you Linebackers that can play all positions. So I kind of keep my eye on those two things, the football get-it, and the guys that are a little bit versatile."