A Leonard Floyd 2017 breakout season would be such a huge help for the Chicago Bears. What with the regime taking a media beating over the past few months for not rebuilding the team fast enough. To say nothing of the fact they’re being blamed for the teams’ injury woes. That’s not entirely fair since they have little control over such things. Then again their stubbornness with revealing relevant information has contributed to this lack of support.
The team staying healthy would really help matters, but so would the big names of their excellent 2016 draft class taking a major step forward. Floyd teased how good he could be as a rookie. He suffered a myriad of nagging ailments including two concussions. To say nothing of a well-documented problem with being underweight. Nonetheless during one five-game stretch last year he racked up 6.5 sacks.
It was a marvelous display that showcased everything the Bears saw in him. The athleticism, the speed, the quickness and the burst off the snap. Going into this year, the plan is simple. Bulk him up and teach him how to protect himself from injury. Word is there’s been significant progress in both areas.
Leonard Floyd 2017 season looks promising
Outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley expressed his excitement when Floyd showed up for offseason activities a couple weeks ago. The 24-year old had clearly added more muscle to his frame and looked thicker from top to bottom.
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‘‘His body now is just so much different than when he came in here. He was, like, 225 [pounds] when he came in here; he’s almost 250 [now]. just a lot stronger player. He’s a lot more equipped to handle the rigors of the NFL.’’
Most people have claimed the same thing about Floyd since he was first drafted. If he could add enough mass without losing his trademark speed and athleticism he could become one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. No joke. Early indications are he’s achieved the first part of that objective. Now predictions are rolling in. NFL.com experts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks labeled him as one of their top three second-year breakout stars on defense.
Little stands in his way
Truth be told there isn’t much reason to doubt what they’re saying. When his body was right last season, Floyd never met a blocker he couldn’t beat. Now he might be stronger than last year? That has to be a scary thought for those who’ve faced him and those who have heard stories. Much of what the Bears defense can and will become in 2017 revolves around him. The best units always have at least one elite-caliber pass rusher. Floyd has that ability.
GM Ryan Pace has done what he can to fill out the roster around him. Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper hope to improve the coverage on the back end. Jaye Howard arrives to help bolster the front line. That’s not counting a healthy return by Lamarr Houston and possible development by Jonathan Bullard as well. Of course having a healthy Pernell McPhee across from him wouldn’t hurt either.
Either way, his ascent to the top of the league will undoubtedly make the entire defense better.
