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Patriots are trying Shea McClellin at defensive end

By Connor Fulton

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Vernon Davis (80) is tackled by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Shea McClellin (50) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Vernon Davis (80) is tackled by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Shea McClellin (50) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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It appears that the New England Patriots are initially giving Shea McClellin a shot at defensive end. As Mike Reiss detailed in his Twitter question-and-answer piece this morning, McClellin’s calling card in college was rushing the passer and that’s what he did as a rookie for the Chicago Bears:

"By beginning his learning experience in the Patriots’ multiple scheme at an on-the-line, defensive-end position, the first thing that stood out to me was that the club believes there is some pass-rush potential to tap. That was what McClellin was known mostly for coming out of Boise State in 2012. Reflective of that was his role as a rookie as a sub-rushing defensive end."

However, McClellin wouldn’t stay on the line. The Bears shifted him to an off-line role, and in total, McClellin was used at four different spots during his time in Chicago. You can bet that Bill Belichick was keen on the versatility displayed by the Idaho native.

Forecasting Shea McClellin in 2016

With all the pass rushing options the Patriots have at defensive end, it’s hard to see McClellin staying on the line much longer, however. Chris Long, Jabaal Sheard and Rob Ninkovich are entrenched as the Patriots’ top defensive ends, followed by promising sophomore pros Geneo Grissom and Trey Flowers (don’t forget about free agent signing Frank Kearse, too). At 245 pounds, McClellin is light for a traditional NFL defensive end.

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What this tells us is that the Patriots are intent on finding a distinct role for McClellin in 2016. For a former first round pick who has experienced some frustration thus far as a pro, McClellin needs to (1) learn the complexities of the Patriots’ defense, and (2) settle into a niche. Everyone man on the final 53-man roster has at least one clear job; McClellin has to find his, and if that means initially learning defensive end, so be it.

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Where do you see McClellin playing in 2016?

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