Chicago Bears: Leonard Floyd’s Development Key to Defensive Resurgence

After flashing potential in 2016 for the Chicago Bears, what can we expect from Leonard Floyd in 2017?

Following a tough season for their 2015 draft class, the grabbing several players who contributed right away in their rookie seasons. On offense, center Cody Whitehair and Pro Bowl running back Jordan Howard immediately became stars at their respective positions. And defensively, inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski and corner/safety Deiondre’ Hall each flashed potential as possible future starters.

But the player with the most upside (and the most to prove) remains outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, the 2016 ninth-overall pick. Expected largely to be a situational pass rusher his first season, Floyd instead earned a big role quickly. He started Week 1, registering a half sack in his first game. Also, he showed that he could drop into coverage and make plays all over the field. But injuries, inexperience and a thin frame limited him, as he missed four games and was ineffective in others.

Now, after an up-and-down but promising rookie year, Floyd’s development this season will be a major storyline for the Bears. Can a healthy, improved Floyd help turn Vic Fangio’s defense into a dominant unit in 2017 and beyond?

Where he’s good

Obviously, Floyd’s seven sacks in his rookie season, tied with Willie Young for second on the team, jump out. Despite being overmatched at times against NFL tackles, he started to find his groove midseason as a pass-rusher. He was at his best when setting up blockers with speed rushes, then changing direction to blow by them.

But Floyd also showcased solid bull-rushes occasionally, turning speed into explosive strength and stunning tackles with his long arms. Assuming he adds weight and strength this off-season, he can effectively mix in more power rushes to keep blockers off-balance. Playing stronger will also give Floyd more ammo against top tackles, against whom he must perform better next year.

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What don’t get talked about as much with Floyd, however, are his versatility and coverage ability. In fact, coverage was the best area of his game in 2016, according to Pro Football Focus (72.4 out of 100). This, along with his pass-rushing, is why the Bears valued him highly enough to trade up for him.

Of course, covering college running backs and tight ends isn’t the same as covering future Hall of Fame tight end Jason Witten, which he learned last year. But with time, he has the ability to stay in the pocket of athletic pass-catchers when not rushing the quarterback.

Also, Floyd proved useful in chasing mobile quarterbacks, whether as a spy or when failing to get home right away. In a league that features many athletic quarterbacks, Floyd’s speed and agility could come in handy here. His ability to keep contain and force quarterbacks into difficult decisions can help stall offensive drives and possibly create turnovers.

Where he needs improvement

After grading abysmally as a run defender (41.4 on Pro Football Focus), Floyd must get better in this area. On one hand, he showed he could chase down run plays from the backside as early as Week 1. However, he still has to consistently hold his own against runs coming straight at him. Too often, his lack of size and strength hurt him, though he sometimes used his length well against opponents. If he makes more plays like the one below, he can evolve into a three-down, Swiss Army knife-like player.

To do this, Floyd has to stay healthy, though. Unfortunately, poor tackling form contributed to at least one concussion last year. As such, head coach John Fox has addressed Floyd’s need to display better fundamentals. Also, after missing portions of 2016 training camp, he will hopefully be available more in 2017, which will help him leading into next year.

If he stays healthy, it’s fair to predict that Floyd will have a breakout 2017 campaign. Assuming Pernell McPhee is also healthy and wreaking havoc opposite him for a full season, 10+ sacks should be realistic. And, with more experience, he’ll keep progressing into a solid matchup for pass-catching tight ends and running backs in coverage. As such, put him down for five pass breakups and his first career interception too.

Next: Pernell McPhee is Back and Better Than Ever

The Bears are still short on defensive playmakers, notably at defensive end across from Akiem Hicks and in the secondary. But with a solid draft and Floyd’s continued ascension, the Chicago Bears defense could be dangerous in 2017. And who knows? If Floyd becomes what he can be, maybe we’ll be talking about him being as big a draft steal as Jordan Howard.