Questions about Leonard Floyd

will be on the side that the running play is heading...

4-3 OLB that can cover TEs and rush the passer effectively. He fits Spags system as a 3 down player in my eyes.

Same as Anthony Barr with the Vikings. He's probably be best as a 3-4 OLB, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be good in the SAM role.

If he can cover TE's and get after the QB he is a good enough pick.

In comment 12903826 ANGPASS said:

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If he can cover TE's and get after the QB he is a good enough pick.

Not only can he cover TE's, he can cover slot receivers. The biggest issue with him is how will he handle runs right at him.

as he did with Kiwi where he was a SAM and also a down lineman in certain packages. They ran a lot of under-fronts and was like having five d-linemen on the line of scrimmage, and the majority of the time they blitzed Kiwi.

He can cover and blitz. At his best, he could be another Jessie Armstead, but with more pass-rush ability.

A base defense is only on the field approximately 35% of the time. The other 65% is sub packages. Floyd would be a pass rusher pure and simple to start out. To me, he would be a Bruce Irvin type of player.

because holy fuck is he unimpressive to me. I don't know what teams are seeing with him

Hopefully he isn't the pick at #10.

In a 4-3.can rush the qb and cover rb and te. That killed our d last year. Fast and athletic. Weighs 248 now. Exactly what the d was missing, besides a fs.

That's because he was at mlb in Georgia. He is not a mlb. Miscast, when he goes to wslb watch him shine. Can blitz and cover.

projects best as a 3-4 OLB, but we run a lot of looks out of that scheme. He can also be a WLB in a 4-3. He can cover and rush the passer. Just don’t expect him to defend the run as a DE in a 4-3.

An athletic, pass rushing LB is what we need. After watching Seattle and Denver the past two years I'd be excited to emulate what they try to do.

about Floyd is his combination of pass rush ability and coverage ability. In addition, he clearly is a team-first guy b/c he played inside LB for Georgia this year -- in his draft year. That is not his best position, but he did it and effectively as well.

In comment 12903844 GMenLTS said:

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because holy fuck is he unimpressive to me. I don't know what teams are seeing with him

They likely see unlimited untapped potential. He is a pretty impressive athlete.

The tape shows a guy who looks and plays like a basketball player. He is an athletic freak who appears to rely purely on quickness, speed, and finesse. There are plenty of vicious NFL linemen, tight ends, and running backs who would flatten him early on is my guess.

If the Giants draft him I think they know something the common fan doesn't. I just can't see drafting a guy who plays football with such lack of physicality.

Of the new strength and conditioning program.

Needs to add upper body strength like crazy, or he'll be 10 yards up the field on every pass rush.

To me, he plays too high and without nearly enough strength to bend the edge at the NFL level

In comment 12903813 Jimmy Googs said:

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will be on the side that the running play is heading...

Ouch. Unfortunately, running at him would seem to be an obvious part of opponent's game plan.

and especially in the top half of round 1 the Giants have shown a propensity to select players that greatly impact the passing game offensively or defensively.

It is why you rarely see them go DT / LB / RB/ OG.

With that said, any one of those positions could be an exception if the player is 'special' or versatile enough to have a strong effect on the passing game.

This team for close to the past decade has been looking for an LB that CAN both handle 2nd level responsibilities as well as effectively rush the QB. Sintim,Kiwi,O Brien Schofield etc. are prime examples.

Leonard may be a guy that can do this. I always look to see how quickly guys impact when they go from High School to college and it's usually one of the strong indicators that they are a special talent. As a freshman he had 6.5 sacks in a defensive system which is not overly aggressive. He was then used all over the place on their D and was able to effect the game aside from just the stat sheet.

This kid is 6'5, ran a 4.6 at 244lbs, extremely strong for his size, and has the frame that likely add more muscle without losing too much speed.

He has a special ability to rush the passer and gets great bend around the edge. Despite his wiry frame, lineman have great trouble handling him. As a bonus he has shown the ability to play very well in space. I don't think he can cover the better slot receivers but TEs and Rbs he should be able to handle a whole lot better than any of our LBs since Boley.

Personally, I think this kid will absolutely be an impact player from the OLB spot and will add that extra pass rush dynamic that we have been looking for for quite a while now.

In comment 12903832 UberAlias said:

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as he did with Kiwi where he was a SAM and also a down lineman in certain packages. They ran a lot of under-fronts and was like having five d-linemen on the line of scrimmage, and the majority of the time they blitzed Kiwi.

I like Kiwi, a very versatile, athletic player. But never really excelled or took charge of any position. If your basing your comparison of Floyd to Kiwi I don't think he's worth the top 10 pick. Now if you compare him to a Miller or Mathews, now we are talking.

I don't see it watching him.
He also never lifted once for scouts that I am aware of.
For all we know Eli mannng crushes him in the weight room.

In comment 12903892 Patrick77 said:

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In comment 12903844 GMenLTS said: Quote: because holy fuck is he unimpressive to me. I don't know what teams are seeing with him They likely see unlimited untapped potential. He is a pretty impressive athlete. The tape shows a guy who looks and plays like a basketball player. He is an athletic freak who appears to rely purely on quickness, speed, and finesse. There are plenty of vicious NFL linemen, tight ends, and running backs who would flatten him early on is my guess. If the Giants draft him I think they know something the common fan doesn't. I just can't see drafting a guy who plays football with such lack of physicality.

I definitely agree with this Patrick, it's what makes him such a controversial choice. He scares me at #10, but I see such a high ceiling if he's able to play as fast and as athletically as he did last year with more bulk to him. I will have a wait and see attitude either way... meaning I won't be overly excited or sad if he is our pick at #10.

When he was at Georgia they played him half the time at Mike which at 228 was insane. Also this last coaching staff was very lask on the strengthing program, part of the reason they are no longer at Georgia. Therefore all those who voice opposition against Floyd ability and wieght need to take that into consideration. If you go on Giants.com and listen to the Big Blue simulcast on April 8, with Smelck and Pittino, the beat writer from the Atlanta Constitution addressed much about Floyd, the coaching philosophy, his usage, prognostication for the future and other available prospects coming out.

Floyd is now 248 lbs and I suspect that by the time the strength/conditioning program and OTA's are culminated he may be at 260 lbs. The point being he showed up at the combine at 246 lbs and showed no affect on his speed 4.6 and explosion 39 1/2" vertical and 10'.7" broadjump.

I think that instead of analyzing Floyd's play at Georgia while underwieght and miscast, we need broaden our scope projecting the impact of an athlete with his skillset and measurables with a more robust physique. In other words Kiwanuka with true LB abilities. You ask how would coach Spagnoulo use Floyd? The answer how did he want to use Kiwanuka?

Floyd is an athletic freak and if he is drafted by the Giants, will be the next addition to the legacy of New York Giants Linebackers. I feel that he is the missing piece to restoring the Giants Defense and eliminating the TE abuse of it.

I know many want OL, CB, WR but mark my words none at those positions will have as dramatic an impact as what Floyd would offer to the New York Giants Football team and fan base.

I wouldn't be sad if we drafted him as it is, I do see the concern, but every time you post in these threads I get excited about seeing him in a Giants uni!

if he can lift or not and if he's tough. They'll have been stopping in on Georgia practices for 3 seasons.

His SPARQ rating is very high. Only Lee from OSU has a higher grade amongst LBs and you do see it in his lightning first step and coverage ability.

Bottom line you can put a guy in a weight room, work on his technique etc. You cannot teach someone Floyd's first step and ability to match up on the Witten's of this world. He is a rare talent, just rawer than you'd like a 24 year old to be.

I would take a different player but I do see the high ceiling with Floyd.

Looks like A.J. Green in his Georgia uniform. Built more like a big wideout then a linebacker. Weak at the point of attack and because he times well, folks here think he's a good cover linebacker. Zero interceptions in his career with 17 sacks over three seasons. Not an impact player in college. Let someone else try to see where he fits in their defense. Pass.

In comment 12904018 Makogman said:

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When he was at Georgia they played him half the time at Mike which at 228 was insane. Also this last coaching staff was very lask on the strengthing program, part of the reason they are no longer at Georgia. Therefore all those who voice opposition against Floyd ability and wieght need to take that into consideration. If you go on Giants.com and listen to the Big Blue simulcast on April 8, with Smelck and Pittino, the beat writer from the Atlanta Constitution addressed much about Floyd, the coaching philosophy, his usage, prognostication for the future and other available prospects coming out. Floyd is now 248 lbs and I suspect that by the time the strength/conditioning program and OTA's are culminated he may be at 260 lbs. The point being he showed up at the combine at 246 lbs and showed no affect on his speed 4.6 and explosion 39 1/2" vertical and 10'.7" broadjump. I think that instead of analyzing Floyd's play at Georgia while underwieght and miscast, we need broaden our scope projecting the impact of an athlete with his skillset and measurables with a more robust physique. In other words Kiwanuka with true LB abilities. You ask how would coach Spagnoulo use Floyd? The answer how did he want to use Kiwanuka? Floyd is an athletic freak and if he is drafted by the Giants, will be the next addition to the legacy of New York Giants Linebackers. I feel that he is the missing piece to restoring the Giants Defense and eliminating the TE abuse of it. I know many want OL, CB, WR but mark my words none at those positions will have as dramatic an impact as what Floyd would offer to the New York Giants Football team and fan base.

Very informative, good post.

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IN OUR VIEW: A highly intriguing size-length-athleticism prospect, Floyd can stab, dip and flatten around the edge, maintaining his balance without losing speed to the pocket. He is deadly in space, but Floyd's lack of functional strength and growth potential are glaring concerns. One of the best athletes in this draft class, his is not one of the best football players and would need to land in a scheme that protects him in a niche role.

Link - ( New Window )

That's what you need to know.

Disregard anything coming out of Georgia's beat writers now RE: the former coaching staff. There's a reason why they're burying that staff, and conveying the truth is not it.

Floyd is the guy who posts absurd workout numbers but doesn't produce. He's a coach killer in the classic sense.

That means we are drafting him.

at either OLB in the base 4-3, plays the LEO position in certain fronts, put him at DE too with his hand on the ground. Use him on stunts all over.







See article below for more. Right now, Floyd is built for the LEO. Play him in this role and it will instantly boost the pass rush. He can really rip it around the edge.

From article below:

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On the LEO: "The best pass rusher on the team is usually the defensive end to the open side of the field. That puts him on the quarterback's blind side and makes him a C gap player in this defense. We often align him wider than this in order to give him a better angle of attack and allow him to play in space. We align him a yard outside of the offensive tackle most of the time. He has to play C gap run support but at the same time he is rushing the passer like it is third and ten. He has to be able to close down however if the tackle blocks down on him." "(He) has to be one of your best football players. Size does not matter as much. We want an athletic player who can move around."

I do see him eventually putting some weight on and playing a traditional 4-3 DE role like a Taylor from Miami. But in year one he can play this LEO pass rush role with JPP and Vernon. It would be an exciting pass rush.
Good article on LEO - ( New Window )

...we can and will do better if we pick @ #10.

Conklin a RT, how much game changing impact will he offer to the 6th ranked offense.

Hargreaves and undersized CB who fits mostly as a slot defender.

Stanley LOT who is technically sound but devoid of intensity and verocity.

Treadwell WR a high point reciever who will need to strengthen to bully NFL CB's.

None offer the impact and versatility of Floyd. No one has seen him play at his present wieght, and no one in this draft offers his skillset and measurables. Fortunately time reveals all truths, and when this occurs I feel more comfortable with my belief in the player Floyd will become than those who will have to admit they miscalculated.

"nobody has seen him play at ... "

So what is it that says he can ?

And what will it look like ?

Seems like betting on something no one has seen.

In comment 12904415 tempit said:

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"nobody has seen him play at ... " So what is it that says he can ? And what will it look like ? Seems like betting on something no one has seen.

Well you pretty much just explained the NFL draft process... lol

from watching his highlights, he looks like a young LT. Look at him manhandle tackles & the QB. He's as fast as lightening.

Floyd also gets his share of TFLs. That means he is past the LOS has grabbed and tackled the RB. That's shows physicality, not a lack of it.

If they drafted him at #10, it would be hi risk hi reward. I think this kid is the real deal for the Gmen.

numerous packages, not just MLB. And he struggled against the run and point of attack type plays in many instances (I live in Bulldog territory).

Athletic guy yes, but this is a clear weakness. I can't say whether the pounds he added will make a difference or even hurt his other attributes.

Just don't like his other skills enough to let this go over-looked when we are talking about the 10th pick.

too much has huge bust potential just dont see the attraction to drafting him he's a 3-4 OLB DE/LB tweener not a good fit for the giants yes you could squeeze him into the defence but you would have to alter the scheme to use him and play him out of position they dont have a good record of hammering square pegs into round holes as it is

Lawrence Taylor was physical and explosive -- not only did you see it with your eyes -- you could feel it ( I know this reads like crazy stuff ) from how the player that Lawrence Taylor went passed or through reacted.

Leonard Floyd, from what I have seen, in his highlight, goes around players and pulls them down ( does not throw them to the ground the way Lawrence Taylor did ) and does not tackle with his shoulder or chest.

Would like to see one tackle where he brings it, have not seen it. If there out there please post the link.

Leonard Floyd does move very very well ( if it was at 218 lbs, than it makes a difference ) and for a very tall man, he moves like someone that is six feet.

I have no idea what Leonard Floyd will be in the NFL, he may very well make plays as Lawrence Taylor did but have a hard time buying it will be like Lawrence Taylor.

There have been too many reported to be the next, but just have not seen it.

I recall the first preseason game watching Lawrence Taylor and it was, wow, just could not believe anyone could play like that.

Was very physical taking on blocks and making tackles in college. I don't see the similarity there except the speed.

Lol

But seriously. If you want a height, weight, physicality, athleticism comparison that would be the closest i can come up with.

Read those tea leaves:

1. Giants salivate over pass rushers
2. JPP is still a bit of an unknown quantity and on a 1 year deal
3. Vernon Oliver while a good pass rusher hasn't proved he is anot elite one
4. DOUBLE O hasn't proved anything yet
5. The 'beloved' Spags is back in the fold and one of the first things he told the D is we are going to try to bring heat on the QB from everywhere (until he painfully realized he didn't have the personell last year)
6. Reeses attended his pro day (he doesnt attend very many and we have selected quite a few prospects from pro days he's attended)
7. Floyd is an athletic freak and some scouts feel he may be the highest upside pass rusher in the draft.

Yeah...maybe a 13 year-old LT.

He still has to pack on 15-20 more lbs, but with his length, I think he can fill out. Obviously, Kearse was more accomplished in college.

TB to take this option away from us. I see the high ceiling, but I also see a super low floor.

I don't want a body transformation project at 10 coming off of 3 straight losing seasons

don't end well.

with the limited knowledge I have..

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What is position? Olb in a 4-3? DE in a 4-3? Olb pass rusher in a 3-4? DE in a 3-4?

This really depends on the coach and the system. We as fans tend to think of defenses being either one system or another usually 3-4 or 4-3 but all these systems have variations and many systems are hybrids. So the question really becomes how does each individual coach see Floyd fitting into their defense and how can they utilize what he does into their scheme, and in what specific situations.

OLB in a 4-3 some think he can play SAM. Some think he can play will. He could play outside as a 3-4 OLB.. 3-4 DE.. no way.. 4-3 DE possibly as a situational pass rusher

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Does he fit the Spags system? Can he be a 3 down player?

The first question is what exactly is Spags system? Its base is a 4-3. but Spags also has learned quite a bike about the 4-3 under defense of the Ravens (which most people mistake as a 3-4). He also plays with some 3-4 packages as well.. So again only the coaching staff will really know how Floyd fits..

Can he be a 3 down player.. there is no reason to think he shouldnt be able to. The question really is where does he play on those three downs.. Denver has used Von Miller as a WILL linebacker on some downs and as a pass rush DE on others..

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Do the Giants see him as some sort of hybrid/special pass rusher or a cover guy as well?

Ideally you want all linebackers to have the ability to cover to a degree whether it is a tight end, RB, H-back or Full Back..

that he's not worth the 10th pick.

I have no clue, but I want as close to a sure thing at #10 and he doesn't appear to be one.