2016 draft prospects that will be better pros than college players

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2016 draft prospects that will be better pros than college players

By Chad Reuter
Draft analyst
Published: March 17, 2016 at 01:10 p.m.Updated: March 17, 2016 at 05:01 p.m.0 Likes | 0 Comments

Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
Floyd's sack totals from the previous three seasons (6.5 in 2013, 6 in 2014, 4.5 in 2015) would not lead one to believe that he is an elite pass-rush prospect. However, reviewing his role in the Bulldogs' defense shows a versatility that should be intriguing to NFL teams. His coaches moved him inside in order to take advantage of his athleticism and strength, even though he was playing at a trim 6-foot-5, 240 pounds last season. If he's given a chance to use his natural bend and length on the edge, as he was earlier in his career, by a team that regularly utilizes stand-up pass rushers (e.g. Bears, Colts, Jets), his production should greatly increase. Floyd was well on his way to a good showing Wednesday at Georgia's pro day, but, unfortunately, he couldn't complete his workout because he was suffering from food poisoning. He also didn't finish his workout at the NFL Scouting Combine due to a hamstring injury. However, if any team chooses not to select him based on the fact that he didn't finish those two workouts, they will be missing out on a player who has the potential to be very good.

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Biggest boom-or-bust prospects in 2016 NFL Draft
By Chad Reuter
Draft analyst

5. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia: Tall, long, and lean pass-rush prospects have had mixed results in the NFL. For every Clay Matthews, Manny Lawson, and Julian Peterson, there is a Dion Jordan or Barkevious Mingo. Unfortunately for Floyd, the latter two were the more recent selections, leading scouts to wonder if Floyd has the strength and flexibility to consistently hassle quarterbacks on Sundays. In fact, Floyd managed just 3.5 sacks in his junior year at Georgia, down from 6.5 and 6 the previous two years, respectively. There's certainly nothing wrong with Floyd's "want-to," and his ability to blow through gaps and around the corner when in pass-rush mode are impressive. As an early entrant, he has time to add onto his frame in a pro strength and conditioning program. He deserves to be an early-round pick, but how early will depend on teams' willingness to project another 20 pounds onto his frame over the course of the next couple of years.