When Pernell McPhee was asked at his introductory press conference to describe his style of play, the new Bear paused, then offered, "Violent ... violent" as his self-descriptor.
Because of a couple significant injuries, a knee in 2015 and then a shoulder injury at the end of 2016, things haven't been as violent as perhaps McPhee would've liked.
But after a long recovery battle last year, McPhee did make it back on the field, earning the respect of teammates to the point of being selected as the 2016 winner of the team's Ed Block Courage Award, a prestigious honor given to an NFL player by peers for actions both on and off the field. The Ed Block award is given to a single player from everyNFL team and is named after former Baltimore Colts trainer Ed Block.
Now, 25 pounds lighter, McPhee has another descriptor for what he plans to be.
"Dangerous," he said on Tuesday prior to the team's award ceremony at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines. "It's going to be dangerous. Obviously last year wasn't great and the year before wasn't a great one, so now hopefully by me losing weight, staying focused, we can turn this thing around."
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McPhee was brought in by general manager Ryan Pace from the Baltimore Ravens in 2015 as the first big defensive piece in a refashioned roster for coach John Fox. It has not worked out as he and the Bears had planned, because of injuries.
The setbacks have been part of McPhee rededicating himself to making a difference with a team that needs one. And he has made that part of his message to teammates.
"Just stay focused and have strong faith, because anytime, any day, it can come to an end," McPhee said. "That's my main focus, just stay hungry at all times."
He is not planning any challenges to Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig or Seattle Sutton anytime soon, but McPhee used a simple "technique" to get rid of the unwanted weight.
"Don't eat after 7 o'clock at night," he said. "Just pound yourself with water. That's the only way I did it."
And the improvement was immediate and noticeable: "It was really important. Usually when I'd get out of bed, it'd take me about a good second to start walking, but I can get up and run right now. So it's a blessing coming from where I was to now.
"I feel great ... I'm sexier, it's a blessing and I can't wait till the season starts."
As part of our coverage leading up to the2017 NFL Draftwe will provide profiles of more than 100 prospects, including a scouting report and video interviews with each player.
Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
6'3"| 234 lbs.
2016stats:
65 receptions, 926 yards, 8 touchdowns
Projection:
First-to-second round
Scouting Report:
"Makes up for his lack of size with athletic ability and plus speed for the position. Engram has experience as a safety blanket for Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly and can work all three levels of the field. He will appeal strictly to teams looking for a move tight end who can be deployed as a chess piece in a matchup-based passing attack. Engram's ability to stress defenses could land him on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) of the draft and a potential starting role early in his career." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Video analysisprovided by Rotoworldand NBC Sports NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.
Click here for more NFL Draft Profiles
As part of our coverage leading up to the2017 NFL Draftwe will provide profiles of more than 100 prospects, including a scouting report and video interviews with each player.
Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State
6'1"| 209lbs.
2016stats:
59 receptions, 982 yards, 11 touchdowns
Projection:
Second-to-third round
Scouting Report:
"Though some of his receiving numbers were down in an honorable mention all-conference junior year (59-982), Godwin scored a career-high 11 times. He saved the best performances in his career for bowl games, first as a freshman (7-140, TD vs. Boston College in Pinstripe Bowl), then in 2015 (6-133 vs. Georgia in TaxSlayer.com Bowl) and finally in his last college game (9-187, 2 TDs vs. USC in the Rose Bowl)." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Video analysisprovided by Rotoworldand NBC Sports NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.
Click here for more NFL Draft Profiles
