The 2017 Chicago Bears are hardly even a reality yet. It's no question that this team has loads of reshaping to do before next September. Thus it's beyond difficult for fans to know how they feel about. So far all they know are two overall factors, each completely opposite of the other. This Bears team finished 3-13, its worst record since 1969. At the same time there was a host of young talent that began to emerge.
Younger veterans like Akiem Hicks and Cameron Meredith really began to show glimpses of what they could do. Yet it was the rookies that really generated the excitement. Cody Whitehair became pleasant surprise at center, claiming All-Rookie honors despite never playing the position in college. Then of course there was Jordan Howard, finishing second in the NFL in rushing and reaching his first Pro Bowl.
Amazingly it wasn't them that were predicted to stampede through the NFL going into next season. That was saved for another.
Matt Bowen is widely respected as one of the more in-depth football experts in the field. Somebody who views the game through the eyes of a former player. His opinions are shaped through relentless film study and straightforward examination. That's why he writes as a featured columnist for Bleacher Report and ESPN.
For the latter, he put together his list of 2016 rookies who will make the leap to stardom this coming season. Among the exclusive 10 names that were listed, Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd was among them. Bowen had high praise for the 24-year old.
"The Bears' top-10 pick had seven sacks as a rookie, and he flashed his unique athleticism as an edge rusher. At 6-6 and 240 pounds with 4.60 speed, Floyd has the acceleration to get to the quarterback, but he also has to add some upper-body bulk to his frame. That will allow him to convert speed into power to become a consistent threat as an outside pass-rusher for Vic Fangio's defense. Floyd's skill set is still a little raw, but the potential is there."Floyd battled injuries most of training camp and throughout the season. That didn't seem to slow down his rapid progress from the raw rookie he was coming out of Georgia. Keep in mind he never had more than 6.5 sacks during a year for the Bulldogs. To think he had seven for the Bears in just 12 games is pretty impressive. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Leonard-Floyd-vs-Packers-NFL-TNF-Week-7-2016-3-TKLS-2-SCKS-FF-TD-NFL-Highlights-HD.mp4"][/video] No doubt the Bears' focus will be getting him more opportunities to sack the quarterback. That will come with stopping the run and adding better coverage on the back end with corners and safeties. Such things will be addressed in due time. Meanwhile no doubt Floyd is hard at work to make sure the prediction (and faith) Bowen shows in him is more than warranted. If he does indeed add more muscle, there is no limit to his potential. He's already got the athleticism and mental attitude. It's about staying healthy and continuing the progression at this point. Get in his way if you dare.
