Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace isn’t afraid to use a high pick on a linebacker.
Two years ago, Pace traded up two spots from No. 11 to No. 9 to draft outside linebacker Leonard Floyd out of Georgia. Although legitimate concerns existed regarding Floyd’s playing weight/durability coming out of college, the Bears felt Floyd’s off-the-charts athleticism outweighed the risk.
Floyd – after 22 NFL games – remains a work-in-progress, but he’s certainly talented (11.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss).
On the heels of taking Floyd in the top 10, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.