Of the 38 mock drafts we canvassed, 10 predicted that the Bears would select Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd in the first round, the most of any prospect. Here are the 10 who got it right and their comments leading up to the draft:
Mel Kiper, ESPN
The Bears did a nice job in free agency at inside linebacker, but Floyd is the edge defender who could really help early in passing downs.
Charles Davis, NFL.com
The makeover of the Bears' defense continues, and now Floyd will be able to settle into one job ... rushing the passer. Vic Fangio, the Bears' defensive coordinator, utilized Aldon Smith in that role as a rookie to great success in San Francisco.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
John Fox and Vic Fangio could upgrade the Bears' pass rush by adding an ultra-athletic defender with speed and rush skills.
**
With the 9th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Bears select Georgia OLB Leonard Floyd.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com**
The Bears could use Floyd in a variety of ways. His speed/explosiveness is highly coveted in this draft.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Floyd has outstanding upside as a pass rusher, but might take a year to get his weight and strength up to a serviceable level.
Curtis Conway, NFL.com
(Did not include a comment)
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
He has the ability to become an elite edge rusher. I think he's better than Shaq Lawson for this pick.
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports
Entering year two of the transition to a 3-4 base scheme, the Bears are still searching for an impact edge rusher. Floyd has plenty of question marks, but his flexibility and pass rush potential for an athlete his size will have him overdrafted, possibly this early.
Jared Dubin, CBS Sports
Floyd has been steadily moving up draft boards over the last few weeks. He can get after the passer with the best of them in this draft, and the Bears need a ton of help in that area. Pernell McPhee can't do it all by himself.
Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune
A speed rusher will give the Bears an element they're lacking with a chance to add a starting defensive end in Round 2.
