The Leonard Floyd quarterback hunt didn’t begin right away in 2016, but once it got started the results were so intriguing. Many thought the Chicago Bears were nuts to trade up for him in the draft. That is until he delivered 6.5 sacks in five games between October 20th and December 4th. It was a tantalizing trailer of what he was capable of. That of course being the franchise pass rusher their rebuilding defense needs.
Not bad considering he was seldom used as a primary QB hunter at Georgia. A fitting sign that the front office and coaches knew what they were doing. If there was one gripe for people to make about him, it was his overall physique. Floyd arrived in Chicago at around 230 lbs. That’s fine for a traditional linebacker, but for a 6’6″ edge rusher in the NFL? Way too light.
Some were nervous about that, wondering if he’d ever be able to put and keep on the necessary pounds without losing his trademark speed and athleticism. Seems his emergence from the offseason back at Halas Hall has provided an answer.
The new Leonard Floyd looks oh so dangerous
Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times caught up with new outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley to discuss Floyd going into his second year. One of the biggest nuggets of info dropped was how the young defender had arrived in excellent shape, and heavier too.
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“But to truly excel in Year 2, the Bears need Floyd to be prepared physically. It’s an ongoing process, but he reported to the offseason program in impressive shape.
“His body now when you see him is just so much different than when he came in here,” Staley said. “He was like 225 [pounds] when he came in here — and now he’s almost twice that. He’s almost 250. just a lot stronger player. He’s a lot more equipped to handle the rigors of the NFL.”
So a high bar is set for Floyd in 2017 – one arguably higher than everyone else.”
As stated earlier Floyd is already fast, agile and quick off the snap. One thing missing from his arsenal was strength. By this account he’s added 20-25 lbs, most of it muscle. That has to be a frightening visual for quarterbacks who know they’ll be seeing him in 2017. Remember, this is a guy who had 6.5 sacks in five games without the additional power.
Second City Sack machine?
With it? Oh doctor. Quite simply the prospect for a second-year breakout just took a significant step forward. Music to the ears of Bears fans who know that the defense will be expected to carry the load for this team. At least until Mitch Trubisky is ready to assume the mantle.
Even better is the fact teams won’t be able to devote too much attention to Floyd on the edges. Not with Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Jaye Howard and Pernell McPhee to also contend with. If he stays healthy he can be the first double digit sack producer the team has drafted since Mark Anderson way back in 2006.
Only with an infinitely higher ceiling.
