Bears Sign First Round Pick Shea McClellin

The Bears signed first round draft pick Shea McClellin as he was heading out to the practice fields to start rookie minicamp on Friday.   There are high hopes for McClellin, who will compete to line up opposite Julius Peppers at defensive end.  The more work he can get between now and September 9th, the better off he’ll be to start contributing immediately.

Terms of the 4-year deal with an option for a 5th year were not immediately disclosed, but with the new rookie wage scale in place, the salaries are slotted, so there’s not a lot of negotiating to be had.  It makes you forget the days of training camp holdouts that cost rookies a decent chunk of their first season due to missed time in camp.

No pressure on Brandon Hardin, but he’s the only draft pick yet to sign with the Bears.