NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt, the former long-time vice president of personnel with the Dallas Cowboys, has selected three Bears to his NFL All-Rookie Team.
Brandt chose running back Jordan Howard, center Cody Whitehair and outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. The Bears tied the Chargers for the most rookies on the team.
Howard ranked second in the NFL in rushing and set Bears rookie rushing records with 1,313 yards.
Howard, a fifth-round pick from Indiana, ranked second in the NFL in rushing and set Bears rookie rushing records with 1,313 yards and seven 100-yard games.
"Howard racked up 5.2 yards per carry—and 2.2 yards per carry after contact," Brandt wrote. "His accomplishment—rushing for 1,313 yards and six touchdowns—stands out even more given that he didn't make his first start until Week 4 and played for a team that didn't really get much production out of the quarterback spot."
Whitehair anchored the Bears offensive line throughout the year after moving to a position he never played at Kansas State a week before the season opener.
"Whitehair started all 16 games as a center after being a college tackle and guard, and he was called for three holds and allowed one sack," Brandt wrote. "He should be a fixture on the Bears' line for years to come."
Floyd emerged as an impact player after the Bears traded up two spots in the draft to take him with the ninth overall pick. He scored a touchdown on a strip/sack and fumble recovery against the Packers and later recorded a safety with a sack in the end zone versus the 49ers.
"Floyd was hampered by injuries, including a pair of concussions, but he still managed to put up seven sacks in 12 games," Brandt wrote. "I think he's going to develop into a very good pass rusher for Chicago."
In addition to the honor from Brandt, Howard, Whitehair and Floyd were also selected to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team as well.
