And with the ninth pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Leonard Floyd from Georgia. How Floyd handles double-teams and shedding blocks will determine whether or not he will have a successful run with the Bears.
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At the beginning of the draft season, Floyd was projected as a late first-rounder and possible second-round pick. Now, Floyd will join Pernell McPhee, Willie Young, and Lamarr Houston as the team’s edge rushers.
“Floyd is a 6’5 1/2”, 248 lb who initially excelled as an edge rusher.
FILE – In this September 13, 2014, file photo, Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves, III (1) lines up for a play against Kentucky during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla. Both players would immediately give the Chicago Bears a dynamic front-seven on paper. He definitely fills an area of need for Chicago, but was he the best player still on the board?
While the Giants would prefer to go defense with their first pick, it doesn’t appear to be a concept they’re married to heading into the draft. He has tremendous upside despite the question marks. Floyd’s pass-rushing toolbox still needs some refinement, but his aggressive, high-energy style and constant motor are things you can’t coach and what makes him such an intriguing prospect.
He still has a chance to be Bridgewater’s go-to guy among a group that is highlighted by second-year pro Stefon Diggs and not much else. “He has terrific size at 6’6” and 244 lbs. along with being highly athletic and having highly effective pass rush skills. “What’s rare is when a guy is that tall and long and running down the field and he’s changing direction like that – you don’t see that very often so it’s very attractive”. He will be a day one asset for the Bears.
It’s easy to see why teams would fall in love in Floyd’s athleticism.
Perhaps most importantly, the Bears hope Floyd will quickly develop a productive working relationship with strength coach Jason George as well as sports science coordinator Jenn Gibson. General manager Ryan Pace already upgraded at inside linebacker this offseason by signing Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman. Floyd said he wants to improve his power in the pass rush when he gets to Chicago, and Pace explained how Floyd’s length helps against bigger offensive linemen. The Bears got their man!
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The former Georgia great Leonard Floyd has found his destination for the foreseeable future after deciding to leave Athens after his junior season.
