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Chicago Bears Get Much Faster on Defense with Leonard Floyd

By Clyde A. Speller

Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) rushes the passer against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) rushes the passer against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Many didn’t think that the Chicago Bears would trade up from their 11th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, but they did. Chicago made the move with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In exchange for their first-round pick and one of their fourth-round picks (106th overall), the Bears received the Bucs’ ninth overall pick. Feeling a need to strengthen their already bolstered defense, the Bears used that pick to select outside linebacker Leonard Floyd out of Georgia.

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With the addition of Floyd, who ran a 4.60 40-yard dash at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Chicago’s defense has gotten that much faster on the edge. Having fellow linebackers Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston, and Willie Young in the rotation, the Bears’ pass rush could vastly improve from a 2015 season where they finished tied for 22nd in the league in sacks with 35.

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    • Initially, it seemed that Chicago could have probably gotten Floyd without trading up to No. 9. However, general manager Ryan Pace might have caught wind of the New York Giants, who were originally picking right before the Bears, having interest in Floyd. What appeared to be a head-scratcher for some ended up to be a smart move by Pace and the rest of Chicago’s front office.

    After investing the majority of their picks from last year on the offensive side of the ball, it looks like the Bears have begun to focus on defense in this year’s draft. Floyd is already a skilled pass rusher, and under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, he will only get better. Having already added linebackers Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman, and defensive end Akiem Hicks this offseason, Floyd will make the Bears’ front seven much more dangerous in 2016.

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