Chicago Bears agree to four-year deal with first round draft pick Shea McClellin - NFL News
Chicago Bears wasted no time to get their first round draft pick, Shea McClellin a new contract.
The Bears picked up the Boise State University’s defensive end at 19th overall in this year’s drafts and on Friday signed him up to a new four-year contract with an option to add another year to the deal.
Announcement of the signing was made just a few hours before the start of the Bears rookie minicamp and the youngster was happy to get the distraction of a contract out of the way.
Talking to reporters the defensive end said.
"I think it's good to get it out of the way. My agents did a great job getting it done before camp. I just let my agents handle it. ... I'm definitely relieved."
McClellin’s pick was criticised by some analysts who said that the youngster had not faced any tough opponents during his college career and was picked up too high by Chicago.
However, the youngster is fully committed to show his critics wrong and head coach, Lovie Smith was impressed with what he saw during the training on Friday.
Smith said after the training session.
"He had his hand down in the dirt trying to become a better pass rusher. That's what it's all about. You hope to be able to put pressure on the quarterback. We think we got better with our pass rush by bringing him in."
The Bears ended last season with a poor 8-8 record as injuries to big stars completely derailed their challenge for the playoffs.
Both quarterback, Jay Cutler and running back, Matt Forte suffered season ending injuries which left the offence toothless while the defence also struggled with its own problems.
Chicago brought in two of the best available offensive players in free agency after they signed wide receiver, Brandon Marshall and running back, Michael Bush.
They concentrated on shoring up the defence in the draft as McClellin became the team’s first pick.
Bears general manager, Phil Emery praised the youngster’s football instincts after picking him in the draft even with so many doubters.
It is now up to McClellin to repay the franchise’s faith in his abilities with a big rookie season.
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