According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Bears may have been a bit disappointed in their top overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. Biggs is reporting the Bears had initially targeted DE Bruce Irvin over DE Shea McClellin, but Irvin ended up going a few picks before McClellin:
One source maintains the [Chicago Bears] was hoping to land Bruce Irvin, the West Virginia product the Seahawks selected 16th overall. [Lovie] Smith personally had scouted Irvin, an undersized pass rusher who some considered a reach at any point in the first round.
McClellin is slated to be a key component of the Bears' defensive line rotation, though not a starter, in the 2012 NFL season. Biggs also says that, as the first pick of new general manager Phil Emery, McClellin has added pressure to perform well, suggesting he may get additional playing than would be typical in Smith's defense.
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