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With free agency in full swing and the New York Giants making it clear they are focusing on defense, it is safe to assume that their draft preparation could also be leaning in that direction as well. Reports are surfacing that the Giants are interested in adding a blitzing linebacker to add another wrinkle to their defense, and Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd could be available with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Giants haven’t drafted a linebacker in the first round since 1984 when they took Carl Banks. In fact, since then the Giants have only selected three linebackers in the second round — Pepper Johnson in 1986, Kanavis McGhee in 1991 and Clint Sintim in 2009. Things change and the Giants know that the most consistent way to win is to get to the quarterback. That theory did help them win two Super Bowls, and it seems as if GM Jerry Reese might break from his draft strategy since his job is now on the line.
In Floyd, the Giants would be getting someone many scouts believe could be the best pass rusher in this class. His sack totals don’t necessarily reflect that, but from watching him on tape you can see he contributes a lot towards the sacks of teammates. He played most of last season around at 233 pounds but showed up at the combine at 244 pounds. With his 6-foot-6 frame, most NFL teams believe he would be perfectly fine around 250 pounds. More importantly, the added weight didn’t affect his speed at all as he ran a 4.6 40-yard dash.
In 2013 Floyd made the SEC All-Freshman team after recording 55 tackles, 9.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks. In 2014 he notched 55 tackles, six sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. His 2015 season saw him record 74 tackles, 10.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks. They aren’t eye-popping stats, but if you watch him on film you can see he impacts plays consistently.
In the Giants’ 4-3 defense, Floyd would line up as the strongside, or Sam, linebacker on run downs and rush off the edge on passing downs. He would be a perfect complement to Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul and could be just what the Giants need. He is capable of playing middle linebacker, but his strength in the NFL will be as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. However, a team can move him all over and have him attack the quarterback from different angles just to give them different looks.
Floyd is devoted to football and would be extremely coachable. He does whatever is necessary on the field, and he will work on getting better against the run and defending the pass. He would be the perfect fit for a Giants defense that hasn’t had a star at linebacker since Lawrence Taylor retired. Floyd could change that along with the Giants’ 32-year drought of not drafting a linebacker in the first round.
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