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Top 20 NFL breakout candidates in 2017

By John Buhler

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
7

Leonard Floyd

Outside Linebacker, Chicago Bears

While it remains to be seen what the Chicago Bears have in former first-round pick wide receiver Kevin White, it looks like they nailed their first round pick in 2016. Chicago probably reached to draft Leonard Floyd out of Georgia at No. 9 last spring, but the guy had a productive first year with Chicago.

Floyd exploded off the edge for seven quarterback sacks as a rookie. His sacks usually do come in bunches, but there is no reason to believe that he can’t be Chicago’s version of Vic Beasley. Beasley led the NFL in sacks last year, but Floyd was the superior player as a rookie. The Falcons’ All-Pro pass rusher had only four sacks as a rookie.

Floyd picked up Bears head coach John Fox’s pass rushing schemes quickly inner one. Though Floyd would end up in many SEC backfields in college, bringing the tackler to the ground wasn’t always a sure thing. However, Fox seems to be getting the most out of Floyd’s high-octane pass-rushing motor already.

Chicago has to be better than 3-13 if Fox wants a fourth year in the Windy City. His offensive personnel could be better, but there is a way that Chicago can win with defense in 2017. Floyd will need to be a 10+ sack player for the Bears to have any shot at making the NFC Playoffs.

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