At least the top two draft picks made by Bears general manager Phil Emery have drastically altered their fortunes with strong moves in training camp and after only one preseason game.
Top pick: DE Shea McClellin (first round, No. 19 overall) -- When Shea McClellin began one-on-one drills in training camp, he quickly became the butt of jokes and target for calls of "first-round bust." However, toward the end of his first week at camp the Bears started scrimmaging and McClellin's true gifts became apparent. He is a player and not a drill star or workout wonder. He quickly seized an opportunity in the preseason game against Denver and made a sack with a great burst of speed, and also showed the same closing speed going from sideline to sideline against the run. With McClellin learning quickly, look for the Bears to start moving him around more and to even go with him in the nickel while moving defensive end Israel Idonije inside. McClellin (6-3, 260) does have a size disadvantage, but his strength is not letting the big bodies get on him by using his speed. Grade: B+.
No. 2 pick: WR Alshon Jeffery (second round, 45th overall) -- Alshon Jeffery gave indications he could play in the offseason, but minor injuries slowed that. In camp, he has wiped out all memories of the slow offseason start. Jeffery makes all the catches, learns quickly and rarely has done something stupid the way a rookie sometimes can do. Jeffery tucks the ball and uses his body to shade it well from defenders. He might start to get fewer chances in preseason and practices as the Bears know what they have and will want to preserve it for the regular season. Grade: A-.
No. 3 pick: S Brandon Hardin (third round, 79th overall) -- Brandon Hardin had a rough first preseason game, compounded by some poor play from cornerbacks who were on the field in zone when he was. However, the disappointing aspect of his play was the poor tackling angles he took and the way he whiffed on one tackle attempt along the sidelines. Coming from the middle of the field far to the sidelines for a stop isn't something he had to do as a cornerback in college, so it's all going to continue to take time. With Hardin on the team as a project, it seems likely the Bears will have to keep Anthony Walters as a fifth safety because they know he can play the position. Hardin, on the other hand, will be a project for a while. Grade: C-.
Follow Bears reporter Gene Chamberlain on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLCHI.
