Chicago Bears Draft Prospects: Outside Linebackers

Leonard Floyd (6-foot-3, 235 pounds) — Georgia

Floyd is a player that fits right in with the Chicago Bears defensive scheme. He played multiple positions in Georgia’s 3-4 defense — outside and inside linebacker, defensive end, and a hybrid safety/linebacker slot known as STAR.

This season, Floyd had 72 tackles (8.5 for loss) and 4.5 sacks. He has a lanky build, so he will probably need to bulk up a little at the next level, but he does have surprising power. He has a great burst off the snap, and good agility, so he can avoid blockers well.

While Floyd improved his run stopping skills, with his weight he can get killed when engaged with a big lineman. He uses his speed and athleticism to blow past them.

A lot of scouts are high on Floyd, and he can help a team. I do not see him as a bona fide NFL starter at this moment. He can play in a rotation, and the defense can move him around everywhere.

Floyd is projected to go anywhere from the top ten to the middle of the second round. That is the product of his weight and strength. His performance in the NFL Combine and his personal workout for teams will go a long way in determining where he ultimately lands.

Like I mentioned earlier, NFL scouts fall in love with what they think a prototype player should look like, and if you don’t check those boxes, that hurts you. Hopefully he doesn’t get too dinged. If he does, it could be a motivational factor for him.

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