Floyd’s Training Camp Report
When Will and Nick went to training camp they both noted that it was easy to spot Floyd because of his size (or lack thereof). That was to be expected, as it’s been a hot topic since the Bears drafted him. Floyd did not make it through Day One of camp as he was carted off the field, leaving Bears fans shaking our heads … but only for a few hours as he was diagnosed with a stomach bug and has since returned.
Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer have expressed their high praise for the linebacker saying that he has the frame to really excel, comparing him to Willie Young. As the first pre-season game rolls up on August 11 against the Broncos, I am really excited to see Floyd in action to see how he matches up with the different offenses of the NFL.
The Basics
Ryan Pace and John Fox have a great all around athlete on their hands. He led the Georgia Bulldogs in sacks every season he was played. He’s a speedy pass rusher who can beat guys on the line with a very quick first move. Now that he’s not the number one guy that offenses will key on, he can really thrive by using his best moves because no one has much tape on him.
Being a nimble linebacker, he should keep up with a majority of tight ends and some slot receivers in the NFL. At Georgia, he played what the coaches called the “star” position, which required him to play both pass rusher and play some coverage on receivers, more or less freelancing depending how he read his keys. He is the arguably the best package deal you can get out of an outside linebacker.
His fundamentals are close to being top notch. He breaks down to make the tackle and does not want to get beat when he goes to wrap up. He’s quick when he has the green light and patient when he needs to stay at home. Although, he still needs to work on his hands. He plays coverage well, but there were a few times at Georgia he let an interception get away from him.
Why Give a Damn?
There’s no pressure on him to perform!
With a cast like Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston, and Willie Young, he can thrive. I am a big fan of swapping guys in and out of the game because it can create confusion on offense on who is out on the field. If Vic Fangio can find the duo that works best with each other on the outside — watch out! These outside linebackers as a unit will be fun to watch chase down that quarterback in Cheeseland.
I have said in a few podcasts that I was not the biggest fan of this draft pick, as I did not think it was a position of need. However, the more I look at this linebacker crew as a whole unit, inside and outside guys, this is a really solid group. If Floyd makes me eat my words, I will eat them with pleasure because I’d love to see nothing but success from the rookie in year one. Without the offenses keying on Floyd, he is the only person who can bring himself down.
As long as he sticks to his assignments (his tape shows he does a fine job of that) and let the game come to him, he will have a wonderful rookie season. Plus, having the advantage of not feeling like he needs to perform now will help him open up his game and learn from the other guys.
Floyd has a high ceiling, which is definitely a reason to give a damn this year … and in many years to come!!
Featured Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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