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Leonard Floyd: Trying to Quiet the Critics

By Bryan Dietzler

Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) recovers a fumble by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (not pictured) in the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) recovers a fumble by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (not pictured) in the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Story of Floyd

As mentioned, Floyd came to the Bears out of the University of Georgia.  While in school, he was a consistent pass rusher but not very productive statistically.  He appeared to have all the tools of a natural pass rusher including being fast, athletic and possessing a great first step.  He put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks and the Bears had to love that.

The downside to Floyd centered mostly on his size.  Several experts stated that he was too thin to hold up in run defense and taking on bigger blockers.  It was also thought that he couldn’t be an every down player and would only be utilized in passing situations.  Taking a situational pass rusher with a first round pick was a little “odd”.

The Bears had a plan for Floyd and had to have done their homework on him.  They knew what they wanted to do with him and figured that he could be an important part of their defense.  And Floyd was poised to prove his doubters wrong.

But he had an uphill battle.  He had a lot to live up to; big shoes to fill if you will.  Could he prove the doubters wrong and become what many thought he couldn’t be, a star?

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