Shea McClellin

McClellin, the Bears’ first-round draft choice in 2012, has had an unconventional first three seasons in the NFL. After his undersized stature proved to make him an ill fit as a 4-3 defensive end, McClellin transitioned to outside linebacker last season, where he collected only 36 tackles in 12 games and while showing limited skills in coverage. Despite those previous failures, McClellin enters 2015 on something of an upswing, due primarily to the Bears’ decision to move to a 3-4 system under new coordinator Vic Fangio. McClellin will now move to inside linebacker -- his third position in three seasons -- where Fangio already appears to be earmarking the 26-year-old for one of the starting roles. Fangio thinks McClellin’s blend of speed and natural talent will allow him to excel as the Bears’ play-calling “Mike” linebacker, but he’ll need to deliver results before meriting much interest as an IDP. If McClellin fails to meet expectations, it might not be long before offseason import Mason Foster displaces him from the starting lineup.

McClellin inadvertently shook up the NFC North power structure in a Week 9 win over the Packers, registering three sacks but perhaps most importantly, knocking out all-world quarterback Aaron Rodgers until Week 17 with a broken collarbone. Aside from that game, McClellin provided just one sack in the other 13 games he played, in what amounted to a disappointing second season for the former first-round draft pick. Deemed to be a clunky fit as a defensive end in the team's 4-3 through his first two campaigns, McClellin will transition to strong-side linebacker in 2014, likely battling Jon Bostic for the starting job. Bostic provides more sideline-to-sideline speed and playmaking skills, but McClellin's ability to get after the passer could be enough for him to come away with the starting job. McClellin's biggest challenge will likely be in proving himself adequate in coverage, but at the very least, he should find his way onto the field in sub packages as an extra rusher.

McClellin was only called upon for light duty in his rookie season, primarily as a situational pass rusher. He should assume a larger role this season as a pass rusher off the bench following the departure of Israel Idonije.

McClellin needs to beat out Israel Idonije for the starting defensive end spot opposite Julius Peppers to return value, but he should be productive right away if he emerges as starter. The 19th overall selection in the 2012 draft, McClellin is a fast and flexible rusher who can beat tackles to the edge and then duck underneath their grasps as they lunge to catch him. It would genuinely be a surprise if the Bears selected him so high only to let him sit behind Idonije, who had just five sacks in 2011.