2016 NFL Draft: early look at Georgia’s Leonard Floyd
By Jon Dove
Georgia’s Leonard Floyd is a versatile and high-upside prospect. He’s asked to line up at several different spots and assume various roles. This versatility and his potential as a pass-rusher have put Floyd on the first-round radar.
Floyd features a long frame with the arm length to keep blockers off body. He does a good job using his hands to stay clean and work his way into the backfield. His short-area burst and overall athleticism allows Georgia to use him in different ways.
He is mainly asked to rush the passer, but also shows the ability to drop into coverage while playing with balance and his head on a swivel. Floyd has proven to be a good “blitzer” as well as a pass rusher. He has good snap awareness and can make himself skinny when shooting the “A” gap.
These skills give Floyd a chance to play a more traditional linebacker role rather than being see as just an edge rusher.
However, it’s his ability to gain the edge and flatten out as he works his way to the quarterback that gets the most attention. Floyd shows natural pass rush ability with his balance, short-area burst and hand usage.
The issue facing Floyd is his lack of bulk and ability to hold up against the run. While he plays with a strong motor, he lacks the power and anchor to hold at the point of attack. He is routinely driven off the line and struggles setting the edge.
This clip shows Floyd taking on a blocker with no force or pop which creates a lane for the running back:
Floyd needs to add some weight and strength in order to improve as a run defender. With added bulk, he gives himself a chance to fit as a defensive end at the next level. Otherwise, he’s looking at playing linebacker only.
Current Draft Position- 2nd Round