Chicago Bears linebacker Shea McClellin has revealed that he is relishing his new role in the middle of his side's defense.

The 25-year-old was selected in the first round of the 2012 Draft as a defensive end, but struggled in the role as he notched just 6.5 sacks in his opening two seasons in the NFL.

However, McClellin was shifted into a new role as an inside linebacker last season and showed enough promise to earn another chance at the role for the 2015 season.

"For me this is the most fun I've had in the past couple of years," McClellin told reporters. "It was rough.

"We weren't doing well as a team and that can get you down. You gotta have fun. It's hard enough as it is and it's really hard to play well when you're not having fun."

The Bears opted against using the fifth-year option on McClellin's contract, meaning the 2015 campaign could be his last with the NFC North side.