Some Thoughts on Leonard Floyd

Once again the presence of Jerry Reese at a pro-day has BBI divided on a potential draft day target. Leonard Floyd is a 6'6" 240+lb freak of nature, who shows a nose for the QB and some rare coverage ability for a big man. Even those who say "NO" to Floyd at #10 would never deny his physical talents, (in the 90th percentile for height, broad jump, and vertical jump) but there are legitimate questions.

1. What is his true position
2. What about the "lack" of production
3. Is he a reach at #10.

There should be a handful of highly rated players available at #10, including the CB Hargreaves, OT Stanley, and possibly the RB Elliot. The Giants could certainly use any of those players, but there are arguments against these three as well.

1. On Hargreaves, you can make the case he allowed far too many completions, and is more of a gambler vice a cover corner at the next level. Personally, I think Eli Apple fits better, but is not necessarily worthy a the #10 pick. Ranaan thinks it very well could be Hargreaves, and I tend to agree with Ranaan on most things, but I could see the Giants having some reservations about Hargreaves and going CB in round 2.

2. Stanley is a very good OT prospect, who probably is a better LT than a RT, but does that distinction really apply in the Giants offense or broadly in today's NFL. My reservation is that spending a total of 4 premium draft picks on the OL appears to be misuse of resources.

3. Similar to Sy56, Elliot makes a lot of sense to me if he is there at #10. He is versatile and has no holes in his game. I'd just be surprised to see him sitting there at #10.

Floyd would not be a throw the remote pick for me, but I certainly understand why many have expressed great doubt about how he fits with the Giants. I've linked a BBV article which spells out some of this history as to why Floyd might fit. To summarize, Jerry Reese has been looking for this type of player for a long time. A LB with blitz ability who can play on the outside on 1st and 2nd down, and rush the passer on 3rd down. First attempt was Sintim, Kiwi was moved to this position, and the Giants tried to grab O'Brien Scofield for the same reasons. I would also add that the return of Spags only places more importance on this role, given that he was the first one to move Kiwi to LOLB, while still rushing the passer from DE or DT on 3rd down. Additionally, Spags has reportedly adopted many of the Raven's defensive schemes, which frequently calls for this type of player at LOLB.

A friend of mine is well connected to the Georgia Bulldog football program, and often receives information/perspectives straight from the program. I asked him for some thoughts on Floyd and here are the main points:

- Freaskish athlete, 6'6, 240s (needs to add some weight)

- Can play OLB in a 3-4, 4-4, or LOLB in a 4-3. Able to play a down 4 technique, down 5 technique.

- Had 17 sacks in 32 games, all while operating in a defense that was based on getting the DTs to clog the middle and drop OLBs into coverage.

- The Georgia DC was no considered to be aggressive (total opposite of Spags) and the Bulldogs had a VERY weak secondary during Floyd's years.

- The NFL draft arguably overvalues pass rushers, and Floyd might get taken a few spots too high. However, if the Giants don't take him at #10, they will find it hard to find another prospect with his physical traits, athletic ability, natural pass rush ability, and upside.

- He is almost certainly the most natural and explosive pass rusher in the draft, and has the biggest upside. Still has room to grow.

Obviously, we will all form our own opinions. But I see the logic for Floyd at ten. If he is the selection, I think we need to keep in mind that Spags will use him in ways Georgia rarely did. And that might make all the difference.


Leonard Floyd a dark-horse candidate for Giants' pick at No. 10 - ( New Window )