Bears Nab 'Ascending Player' In Pernell McPhee

By Dan Durkin-

(CBS) When asked to provide a personal scouting report, new Bears outside linebacker Pernel McPhee offered a succinct assessment of his play Wednesay at his introductory press conference.

"I'm violent," McPhee said. "And that's all you need, to be violent."

Certainly, McPhee's game tape supports that assessment. He's a relentless, physical player who plays with a mean streak, and that's why the Bears signed him to a five-year deal worth a reported $40 million, with $16 million in guaranteed money.

General manager Ryan Pace went on to provide a more polished scouting report about his first free agent acquisition.

"He's disruptive, he hits the quarterback a ton," Pace said. "I think he's an ascending player. Like he said, I like the violence that he plays with. He's got length, gets off blocks. I think he's a well-rounded player, too. I think he's a productive pass rusher but also a steady, consistent run defender. Those are some of the things that jump out."

Pace's familiarity with McPhee dates all the way back to the latter's days at Mississippi State, where he played on the defensive line. But with the Bears, coach John Fox envisions McPhee being an outside linebacker in their base package who has the versatility to kick inside on sub (nickel and dime) packages.

"To highlight what Ryan said, he does have length," Fox said. "He's able to use his hands very well. He does play with body lean. He collapses the pocket. He's not what I would define as a speed rusher, but an outstanding rusher."

Fox noted he doesn't like making comparisons, but he mentioned a Hall of Famer he coached in New York when discussing McPhee.

"Kind of (like) Michael Strahan," Fox said. "Does it with really good technique, really good hands, good leverage. He plays with good lean, and he pushes the pocket very, very well."

Despite being on the field for less than 50 percent of the Ravens' defensive snaps last season, McPhee still registered 7.5 sacks. He was caught in a numbers game behind Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, but he learned a lot from the two of them about refining his game.

"I played with Dumervil and Sizzle – Suggs – it was a blessing," McPhee said. "They taught me a lot how to play with my eyes and my hands and my feet and how to read the game. They're vets, future Hall of Famers. They taught me a lot. How to stay humble and take care of my body."

Pace sees McPhee's production directly correlated to the number of snaps he plays and expects it to increase in an expanded role in Chicago.

"We track percentage production," Pace said. "So even when his snaps are not at the highest level, you realize percentage-wise how much he's disrupting the quarterback. He honestly caught my eye as a rookie being on the pro side. I kind of followed him throughout. And then this year was a breakout year for him.

"I knew once we started coming together as a staff and we were going to run a 3-4 defense, he was a player that was attractive. And as we got more opinions on him and looked at him closer, it just became a real natural fit. As each day goes by and you get to know him more as a person and you realize his makeup and his passion for the game, I feel really good about the decision."

Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.