(Written collaboratively with Ross Miles)
Shea McClellin is an edge pass rusher who played defensive end in college for Boise State, but profiles as an outside linebacker in the NFL. Having been portrayed as a meteoric riser by the media that may not be quite the truth if you listen to scouts who are claiming McClellin had always been rated on their boards. At 6’3” and 260lbs is a true ‘tweener and will likely be asked to add 15-20lbs if his role in the pros requires a hand in the dirt, but whether that will take the edge off his speed remains to be seen. Not the flashiest of prospects and average looking career stats (129 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks) he did win numerous WAC and team honours in his career, including 2011 Defensive MVP for the Broncos.
McClellin will start opposite Julius Peppers and be a defensive end in Chicago's 4-3 defense, which is great news for a team who was just one of ten to receive negative pass-rush grades from Pro Football Focus. In the short term, McClellin will likely be used in sub packages, playing in a rotation with Israel Idonije, who is 32,and saw his pass-rushing play plummet a season ago. If McClellin can maintain his speed off the edge with likely added weight, he will easily supplant the declining Idonije and more than justify what some may call a “reach” by the Chicago Bears.
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