Here are five observations from Wednesday’s practice:

1. Shea McClellin must consistently make tackles in regular-season games in order to direct his career upward, but there is evidence early in training camp that justifies the new coaching staff’s belief in his potential as an inside linebacker in the new 3-4.

In seven-on-seven drills Wednesday, McClellin broke up a pass intended for tight end Martellus Bennett. McClellin backpedaled as Bennett pushed up the field, then drove on Bennett’s break and dove to bat down the pass. All those things—backpedaling, changing direction and laying out horizontally—are examples of the athleticism these coaches (and others) see in him.

Later in practice, McClellin stayed with shifty running back Jacquizz Rodgers on an out cut. McClellin broke down his stride and was again smooth changing direction.

A lot of the questions about McClellin through the first three years of his career surround his ability to beat blocks. But if the defensive line does it’s job in the 3-4, he’ll stay clean and free to flow to the ball in run defense. He’s off to an encouraging start, which might not be worth much, but it’s better than the alternative.

“The idea to move him inside was a good idea,” coach John Fox said. “It’s obviously required a lot of work and effort on his part. Hats off to him for that. I think his skill set fits there and we’ll see how it goes moving forward. I’ve been pleased with him so far.”

1. Outside linebacker Willie Young took a meaningful step in his recovery from the torn left Achilles tendon he suffered in December. He participated more in team drills than he did at any time during the first week of camp.

Young obviously wasn’t moving or cutting at full speed, which is to be expected less than eight months removed from surgery. And that’s why I find it interesting the Bears didn’t start him on the physically unable to perform list and preserve his roster spot.

The questions about Young’s fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 are obvious—not only must he prove he can move fluidly enough to handle the different responsibilities, but also it doesn’t fully maximize Young’s greatest asset, which is his length.

It’s easy to see how Young could end up continuing his career successfully with another club that runs a 4-3, but for now his attitude is upbeat as he makes incremental progress.

“I’m not trying to jump back in the fire too soon,” he said afterward. “Definitely got to be careful and gauge it based on my comfort level and how I’m feeling on a day-to-day basis.

“I’m putting my body through different drills, different positions, a little more sense of urgency with a few different things. That’s going to be the key right now—just being smart, being safe and pushing myself to the limit, pushing myself as much as I can go without any discomfort.”

1. Before rookie sixth-round tackle Tayo Fabuluje left practice because of an asthma attack, he swallowed outside linebacker Lamarr Houston during a pass rush in team drills.

Fabuluje is a huge man at about 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds. Sometimes it’s clear on the practice field how that works against him—speed is not a particularly strong part of his game, and balance can be problematic. However, he can engulf defenders because of how broad he is and his 34-inch arms. That’s what he did to Houston. Houston got nowhere on an outside rush, as Fabuluje got into position by moving his feet well.

Speaking of Fabuluje’s weight, he reported to camp under the 350 mark the Bears pegged for him. That bodes well for his endurance, which was an issue occasionally in college.

1. Defensive lineman Ego Ferguson batted down a pass and had a would-be sack on consecutive plays during team drills. Former general manager Phil Emery liked Ferguson coming out of LSU because of how he anchored at the point of attack. But Ferguson showed on these two plays he can get upfield, also.

Ferguson figures to play a top role in the defense, even in passing situations because that’s not Jarvis Jenkins’ strong suit. The Bears’ defense absolutely needs him to continue to develop his technique and consistently play with good leverage. Pad level was a major focus of Ferguson’s work with the coaching staff last season..

1. Running back Matt Forte dropped a potential touchdown lob from Jay Cutler in the end zone. From my vantage point, Forte should have caught it, but he doesn’t drop many, so maybe the throw was a bit high. Forte did have to jump for it.

He probably won’t have another 102 catches this season (if he does, that’s not a good sign), but Forte figures to make more impactful catches in the offense as the Bears maximize his quick feet and shiftiness as a route runner.