Mississippi State Players in the NFL: NFC North

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns lineman Joe Thomas (73) blocks Baltimore Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee (90) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Pernell McPhee
Chicago Bears

More from Maroon and White Nation

• College football schedule week 4: 3 must-watch under-the-radar games
• Meeting the Opponent: Week 4 – South Carolina Gamecocks
• Mississippi State football vs LSU: The good, bad, and ugly
• M&WN Staff – Week 3 SEC Picks and Best Bets
• Mississippi State football film study: Why did MSU’s defense fail vs. LSU?

McPhee signed a big time contract this offseason with the Chicago Bears. It was a 5 year deal worth $38 million. he got rewarded for having a standout career with the Baltimore Ravens.

McPhee became a valuable target for the Bears because they switched from a 4-3 defensive scheme to a 3-4. The outside linebackers in a 3-4 need to be comfortable with being able to put their hand down and rush the passer, and they also need to be able to stand up for pass coverage or to stop the run. McPhee has displayed that versatility throughout his 4 seasons in the league.

McPhee went from defensive end to linebacker when he was drafted by the Ravens in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact on the Ravens’ defense. In his four seasons, he has totaled 17 sacks, with the most coming in 2014. He had 7.5 last season, which led to the big pay day with the Bears.

Next: Josh Boyd