Jeff Dickerson, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Bears agree to terms with ninth overall pick Leonard Floyd

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with first-round pick outside linebacker Leonard Floyd on a four-year contract with a fifth-year option, the team announced on Friday.

The Bears moved up two spots to draft Floyd ninth overall in late April.

“Well, he’s big and fast,” Bears right guard Kyle Long said of Floyd.

“He’s very long. He’s got really good hips and leverage. Obviously being back inside I haven’t had an opportunity to go against him. But you see it on tape. He flashes some really, really good stuff. Obviously, he can run all over the field. He covers anything with a heartbeat and he can rush the passer, so that’s a dynamic guy.”

Floyd’s weight, however, is a topic of conversation.

Chicago’s training staff put Floyd on a strength and nutrition program designed to bulk up his lanky, 6-foot-4 frame.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio anticipates Floyd playing at 230-235 pounds.

“I’m sure there’s going to be a play or two every game where you’re going to say, ‘Jeez, he’s not heavy enough’ or ‘He’s too light.’” Fangio said. “Hopefully there’ll be a few plays every game, too, that we say, ‘Well, jeez, we didn’t have anybody who could have done that in the past.’ He is what he is."

Floyd recorded 28.5 tackles-for-loss and 17 sacks in three seasons at Georgia. He is expected to contribute at outside linebacker alongside veterans Pernell McPhee, Willie Young and Lamarr Houston.

The Bears have agreed to terms with eight of their nine 2016 picks. Third-round choice Jonathan Bullard is the only draftee yet to sign.

^ Back to Top ^