John "Moon" Mullin of CSN Chicago is reporting the Chicago Bears have already given first-round draft pick DE Shea McClellin a significant promotion. According to Mullin, the Bears have moved McClellin to the No. 1 unit, shifting DE Israel Idonije to the interior line.
Head coach Lovie Smith says McClellin -- along with fellow rookie, WR Alshon Jeffery -- have earned increased playing time on the merit of their impressive early performances:
"We give guys reps and we keep giving them reps and let them tell us where they go from there," coach Lovie Smith told CSNChicago.com. "That’s what’s happening right now. Shea McClellin and [rookie wide receiver] Alshon Jeffery, I was pleased with what they did the first time out.
"Shea is a good football player. We’ve been saying that. It takes time but we see what he can become. And Izzy has rushed on the inside so we’re just trying to get those best four."
McClellin had 1 the Bears' 3 sacks in the opening game of the 2012 NFL preseason, while Jeffery led the team with 4 receptions for 35 yards.
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