2012 NFL Draft: 5 Reasons Chicago Bears Must Take Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd

Michael Floyd would be a good pick for the Chicago Bears in this year's draft. They had the 26th-ranked passing offense, which is slightly skewed due to the injury to Jay Cutler.

However, it was clear that the Bears are still looking for a top-notch wide receiver. Their top leading receiver was Matt Forte, who had 52 catches in just 12 games. The Bears' leading wide receiver was Johnny Knox, who had 37 catches.

Let's take a look at why the Bears need to draft Michael Floyd this year.

1. Has Played in Pro-Style Offense

During his first two years of his college career, Floyd played under Coach Charlie Weis. In 18 games, he had 92 receptions and scored 16 touchdowns.

Scouts sometimes have problems with certain players coming out of the draft thinking that they are a product of a team's system. Weis has shown that he knows how to run an offense in the NFL. He helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls before going to Notre Dame.

Floyd, having this experience with a coach like Weis, can be a good benefit for the Bears. He should be able to make an impact with the team right away.

2. Red-Zone Threat

Floyd is 6'3" and has a great vertical leap. He scored 36 touchdowns in 42 games at Notre Dame, which shows his ability of finding the end zone.

His size is comparable to the Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall. However, where they are different is that Floyd thrives when he gets in the red zone.

He is a physical receiver who isn't afraid of going over the middle. Also, he has a good ability of getting the ball at its highest point, which is a great quality to have in the red zone.

With the lack of other receivers, Jay Cutler would be wise to throw the ball to Floyd as many times as he can when they reach the end zone.

3. Lovie Smith

Floyd has a well-documented history of having problems with the law. He had his second alcohol-related in May of 2011 when he was arrested for a DUI.

Teams will be scared to draft Floyd because of his past problems with the law. The Bears might be more likely to draft him because of Lovie Smith. He has a reputation for being able to help players who have struggled with off-the-field issues.

Smith has a calming effect on players and is a good presence in the locker room. If there is any coach who can take a player like Floyd under their wing, it would be Smith.

Floyd is young and has shown his immaturity. His decision-making was poor in college and hopefully will change in the NFL. Smith will help Floyd stay out of trouble in the beginning of his career. If Floyd cannot stay out of trouble, then Smith will know when he can no longer spend any time trying to help Floyd.

4. He Will Help the Running Game

The Bears have a solid running game with Matt Forte. He has developed as the focal point of the offense and is heavily used in the run and in the passing attack.

With the lack of receivers the Bears have, defenses can stack the box and try to let the passing attack beat them. If Floyd is drafted, defenses will have to keep an eye on him and respect his ability. He is very good at running routes and getting a good break off the line of scrimmage.

The Bears will need more than Floyd to get defenses to stop focusing on the run. However, if Cutler and Floyd can show that they have good chemistry, it will help Forte and the running game get even better.

5. Jay Cutler

Cutler has been inconsistent throughout his career with the Bears. He has had moments where he looks like one of the best quarterbacks in the league and has also looked like one of the worst.

One thing we do know about Cutler is that he is one of the riskiest quarterbacks in the NFL. Having a quarterback like that means that the Bears need to have receivers.

Cutler always has the mindset that he has to make a play every time he has the ball. If he has a playmaker on the team like Floyd, he can get away with more risks. Floyd will be able to get open more or create double-teams to help create single coverage for other players.

As mentioned before, Floyd matches in size with Brandon Marshall. Having someone comparable with size and capabilities of Marshall is always a good thing.

Now add in the fact that Cutler was at his best when he played alongside the Dolphins receiver. If he is able to find another star receiver to throw to, he can help lead the Bears to another deep playoff run.

The Bears will most likely take a wide receiver in the draft this year. Hopefully they will take a risk with Floyd and improve their passing attack.