Shea

McClellin

McClellin is expected to start at left end, opposite of Julius Peppers, but he’ll see some competition from incumbent Israel Idonije. The versatile McClellin could still move to linebacker down the road (some ticket him as Brian Urlacher’s eventual replacement), but it sounds like he’ll keep his hand in the dirt in the short-term.

A high-motor pass rusher of of Chris Peterson’s pro-friendly system, McClellin can play both linebacker and defensive end, and could see time at both in Chicago. He has the ability to drop back into coverage as a linebacker on first and second down before lining up at end on third down. The owner of 20.5 career college sacks, he’s drawn loose comparisons to Clay Matthews.

McClellin could bump Idonije out of the starting left end job eventually, but for now the rookie will work as a nickel pass rusher. If the Bears started the season this way, Peppers and Idonije would be the right and left ends, respectively, on early downs. McClellin would enter at right end in the nickel, with Peppers moving to LE and Idonije kicking inside to rush from a tackle spot.

But will he get by the Patriots at 27, and Packers at 28? Pauline points to Wisconsin G/C Peter Konz as a fallback option for Baltimore. It’s worth noting that exactly 365 days ago, Pauline reported the Ravens “will grab” Colorado CB Jimmy Smith if he was available at last year’s No. 26 overall pick. Baltimore traded down one spot, and drafted Smith at No. 27 overall.

He received $7.5 million guaranteed. McClellin certainly will be heavily involved in Chicago’s nickel defense, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll beat out LE Israel Idonije for a role in the base package. For now, we’re penciling in McClellin as an every-down defensive end. The Bears have shown no interest in playing McClellin as a stand-up outside linebacker, so far.

“What the draftniks didn’t know is McClellin has been high on most teams’ draft boards since the middle of last season,” writes Gabriel, a former college scouting director. McClellin is a virtual lock to be drafted in the first round, and Gabriel compares him to a slightly less explosive version of Clay Matthews. McClellin could be drafted as high as No. 18 by San Diego.

Cosell specifically cited McClellin’s ability to “bend the edge,” a trait for which 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller was praised coming out of Texas A&M. Cosell observed some similarities to Clay Matthews in McClellin’s game tape. With his pre-draft stock also seemingly building, McClellin now looks like a solid bet to be drafted late in the first round.

“We’re very excited about Shea in terms of his all-downs ability,” said GM Phil Emery. “This is an all-downs football player, including special teams. This is a four-down player.” With 4.63 speed and the versatility to play several positions, the Chicago Sun-Times suggests McClellin may ultimately replace Brian Urlacher at middle linebacker in a couple of years.

McClellin’s perceived stock is on a tear recently. He’s showed up in the first round of ESPN’s latest mocks, and NFL Network’s Mike Mayock called McClellin a possible late first-rounder early this week. McClellin played both inside and outside linebacker at Boise State, in addition to his primary position of defensive end. He’d be a high-motor bookend for Clay Matthews in Green Bay.

McClellin figures to come off the bench behind Israel Idonije in base formations and then play on passing downs opposite Julius Peppers. In that scenario, Idonije would kick inside to rush the passer. The Bears managed just 33 total sacks last season -- with Peppers accounting for 11 of those.