Leonard Floyd saw his Chicago Bears career come to an end this offseason. The former 9th overall pick had his share of good moments. His play against the Green Bay Packers was especially fun to watch. However, in the end, the outside linebacker will be remembered as one of the biggest disappointments in team history.
A top 10 pick with limitless potential who always seemed to shrink before expectations. Yet that didn’t stop the Los Angeles Rams from moving quickly to scoop him up after the Bears released him. It wasn’t a huge surprise. Brandon Staley, the Rams’ new defensive coordinator, was Floyd’s outside linebackers coach under Vic Fangio.
It was felt that connection along with a fresh start on a new team could get him pointed in the right direction. According to Albert Breer of the MMQB, early signs are promising.
“The Rams defense is, indeed, going to have a different look this year. You knew that of course, with Brandon Staley bringing over the Vic Fangio scheme from Chicago and Denver. But it also goes over to personnel on the field—since Staley is new, the guys who might’ve been on scholarship before aren’t anymore. Which is why, when I checked in there this week, I got a flood of new guys who have made an impression.
The first was Leonard Floyd, who came with Staley from Chicago at a fraction of what the guy he’s replacing, Dante Fowler, was making. The former top-10 pick didn’t come close to matching expectations as a Bear after a promising rookie year, and early signs are that the change of scenery is helping (playing next to Aaron Donald should, too).”
Leonard Floyd is the king of great camps
Optimism can be a dangerous thing with Floyd. Bears fans know this well. After all, this isn’t the first time he’s had a great training camp. It feels like that said every year he was in Chicago. He was in great shape, looked athletic as hell and was absolutely ready for that breakout run. Then inevitably the regular season would arrive and by the end of December he’d have failed to crack five sacks.
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Breer says playing next to Aaron Donald could change his fate. With respect, this is the same guy who played across from Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks and still couldn’t get it done. As great as Donald is, even he can’t solve the world-class riddle that Floyd is. Maybe 2020 will be that elusive big year for him. Yet track record says otherwise.