Chicago Bears Draft Shea McClellin in the First Round…Is he Clay Matthews III?
I’ve been a huge critic of new Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery since day one. Tonight’s selection of Shea McClellin out of Boise State puts his stamp on how well he drafts in the NFL. Did the Chicago Bears draft another Clay Matthews III? From what I am reading, McClellin shares many of the same traits as Matthews III. As many of you know, I think Matthews III may be the most overrated player in football.
If you compare both players, they both stand at 6’3 and weigh in the 255-60 range. Both can be described as hard workers and not the most gifted athletes on the field. Matthews III does have some moments, but he is easily blocked and will take bad angles to the quarterback. While I must admit I haven’t seen a ton of Boise State football, I do know that McClellin was very productive. I do like productive college players. But I also like guys that play against top competition. While Boise State has been one of the college football’s better teams, they do not play a great schedule.
While McClellin is listed as an outside linebacker, many feel he will be best suited as a defensive end in the NFL especially in a 4/3 defense. If the Chicago Bears move to a 3/4 which will most likely never happen, perhaps he then could move back to a linebacker spot.
Most drafts take a few years to evaluate. In order for Emery to escape the shadow of Jerry Angelo, he better hope his first draft is a good one.
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[...] Chicago Bears selected Boise State DE/OLB Shea McClellin, with the 19th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Somewhat of a surprise, seeming that so many other [...]
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[...] Chicago Bears made waves when they made a surprising pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft on Thursday night, taking [...]
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your an idiot if you think cmIII is overrated
“your” so smart
It would seem that we are going to have to wait to rd 3-4 to see a productive pick. As a lifelong fan I’m still going to say that it gets old always having a “wtf are they thinking” reaction to the first round pick. And yes……. Clay Matthews is ridiculously overrated. He isnt horrible, but he most certainly isnt half as good as people make him out to be. I’d have to spend the effort to actually look but I think its safe to say he wasnt even in the top 50 in the nfl last year for linebackers.
“But I also like guys that play against top competition.”
McClellin has the measurables and his speed and agility is apparent in games as shown in the Boise vs Georgia 2011 game. This was a battle of top level line players with three of Georgia’s offensive line being drafted: Cordy Glenn (6-6 345) at 41 to Buffalo, Ben Jones (6-3 303) at 99 to Houston, and Justin Anderson (6-4 335) at 208 to Indy. Two of Boise’s defensive line players were drafted: Tyrone Crawford at 81 to Dallas, and Billy Winn at 205 to Cleveland.
As Boise’s Mike was not available for the game, the scheme was was 3 DL, 2 LBs, 4 DBs and then a “Nickle” (Hunter White 5-11/212) and finally, McClellin at “Stud”. McClellin was all over the field, dropping into pass defense, rushing from everywhere: wide 9, up the middle, and also around Cordy Glenn. McClellin showed rip moves, swims, spins and some stunts.
Take at look at “No. 92 Shea McClellin DE-OLB Boise State vs Georgia 2011″ at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=L_B2JlIleWQ
Thanks for the response Carl…I really appreciate it. Some great stuff and I hope you’re right. But I am concerned he’s a bit too much on the small size to be effective in the 3/4 defense.