Gil Brandt knows football. He’s been in the NFL as an executive from 1955 to 1988. After that, he followed the game as a senior analyst. His knowledge of the sport and its evolution over the years is almost unmatched. So when he has predictions of any kind regarding the Chicago Bears, it’s certainly worth giving them a listen.
Brandt, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, put together his predictions for players from every team who would make their first Pro Bowl in 2018. There are some intriguing options including Akiem Hicks, who should’ve made it last year and of course Mitch Trubisky. The man the Bears spent all offseason spoiling with new toys and coaches.
Turns out neither was the choice. Brandt instead sees a late-blooming from another former first round picks in Leonard Floyd.
“Floyd had seven sacks as a rookie in 2016 but missed six games last season due to a knee injury. He’s a talented guy who can drop into coverage or rush with his hand on the ground and should play much better this season. He also has become much stronger since coming into the league.”
Floyd has teased his potential several times the past two years. It looked like he was on the cusp of a breakout last season but couldn’t quite break loose. His freak knee injury in a collision with Kyle Fuller was an unfortunate setback. Fans have yet to see what he can do in a full 16-game season. Clearly, Brandt feels it would be good things.
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A lot of things are going in his favor. He has another year of experience in the system. The secondary is back intact from last year. Hicks is still a monster and he may be able to rush the quarterback more often if the offense is able to put up more points as hoped.
