Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
What number is Leonard Floyd going to wear with the Bears? I would love to get his jersey.
Pete F.
Rockford, Illinois
The Bears assigned numbers to their rookies on Thursday and first-round pick Leonard Floyd was given No. 94. Here are the numbers the other draft picks were given: Guard Cody Whitehair (65), defensive end Jonathan Bullard (69), linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44), safety Deon Bush (26), cornerback Deiondre' Hall (32d), running back Jordan Howard (24o), safety DeAndre Houston-Carson (36) and receiver Daniel Braverman (83). From what I understand, Floyd's No. 94 is pretty much set in stone. But the other rookies could change their numbers after the 53-man roster is set the week leading into the regular-season opener.
Much has been made in the media about Leonard Floyd's weight hindering his NFL success. Does the coaching staff believe he needs to add weight to be successful, or do they expect/want him to play around his combine weight of 244 pounds?
Ken O.
Chicago, Illinois
There certainly has been a lot written and said since the draft about Leonard Floyd needing to gain weight. General manager Ryan Pace said that he'd like the first-round pick's playing weight to be "in the 240s." Floyd currently weighs 240, so he really doesn't have much weight to add. I'm sure, though, that the Bears will develop a strength, conditioning and nutrition plan during the offseason to help Floyd get bigger, faster and stronger. They're going to be careful, though, that he doesn't just add weight to add weight, because that could diminish his speed and quickness.
Watching film of fourth-round pick Nick Kwiatkoski suggests a player with quick reaction time and very good awareness and instincts. What are the odds of him starting by the end of this year at middle linebacker?
Marty C.
I think that likely will happen only if there's an injury to Danny Trevathan or Jerrell Freeman, the two veteran inside linebackers the Bears signed in free agency. Nick Kwiatkoski certainly has starting potential down the road, however. He looks to be like an instinctual tackling machine who likely will make an immediate impact on special teams as he continues to work toward earning more snaps on defense.
