Chicago Bears select Leonard Floyd ninth overall

Chicago Bears select Leonard Floyd to add to their pass rush

In a draft day trade, the Chicago Bears traded up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to select Leonard Floyd from the University of Georgia. At 6-foot-5, 245 lbs, Floyd is a speed rusher that the Bears have been lacking the past few seasons.

Rushing up draft boards in the past month, Floyd has been considered one of the top outside rushers. As a Bulldog, Floyd played in a 4-3 defense, rotating at defensive end (both two and three-point stance) and weak-side linebacker. With Vic Fangio running a 3-4, Floyd will likely exclusively play outside linebacker, only seeing the field in definite passing situations at first.

The problem with Lloyd is how thin he is. His frame definitely has room to add muscle to it, but he was pushed around by top tackles in college. He was also weak in the run game at setting the edge and establishing the point of attack. He also struggles with getting off blocks when defenders close in on him, costing him several tackles for loss.

The trade cost them their fourth round pick (106 overall) to swap first-rounders with Tampa Bay, but it makes sense. Many believed the Giants, who picked 10th overall were interested in Floyd. Floyd playing outside linebacker along with Pernell McPhee and Lamaar Houston, as well as free agent additions Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, the Bears have completely flipped their linebacking corps in a matter of two seasons.

Chicago still has a few more opportunities to improve this roster.