There’s a certain dark humor when it comes to NFL Draft do-overs. While it provides clarity years later — showing you what could’ve been a perfect fit for your team. It also reminds you that, unfortunately, your team made the wrong decision. A decision that cannot be undone.
NFL.com’s newest NFL Draft do-over comes from 2012, where the Bears were coming off an unimpressive 8-8 season in 2011 just one year after making it to the 2010 NFC Championship Game.
With the No. 19 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Bears selected Boise State defensive end Shaw McClellin.
If the Bears could have a do-over, NFL.com believes they should’ve selected the heir-apparent to Brian Urlacher: Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Original pick: Shea McClellin, DE.
Wagner was actually drafted by: the Seahawks in Round 2 (No. 47).McClellin never found his niche in Chicago before leaving for New England. So here, the Bears instead go with Wagner, who becomes the heir apparent to Brian Urlacher.
Wagner is arguably the best inside linebacker in the game today. In his eight-year career with the Seahawks, Wagner is a five-time first-team All Pro, six-time Pro Bowler and his impact on Seattle’s defense has been profound.
McClellin, on the other hand, was just an average defender for the Bears before he moved on with the Patriots. In his five-year career, McClellin had 202 tackles, 8.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
While McClellin became another failed first-round draft pick by the Bears, Wagner became an ultimate second-round steal for the Seahawks who’s stamped his ticket for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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