Fifth in a 13-part series of previews for Bears training camp.

One thing the departure of veteran Israel Idonije ensures is more playing time for 2012 first-round draft pick Shea McClellin.

McClellin was the team's fourth-most productive defensive end last season. Idonije, who earned $2.5 million from the Bears in 2012 while finishing second on the defense with 71/2 sacks, had a standing offer from the team for a good portion of the offseason. But late last month, he agreed to a minimum salary benefit deal with the Lions that will pay him $840,000 but count only $620,000 against the salary cap.

It appears to be a bargain price for the player who will turn 33 in November. Idonije played a lot for the Bears in the previous three seasons but it is clear no team wanted to pay him big bucks in a depressed market for veterans. Some may be upset Idonije isn't returning but at some point teams have to let young players emerge.

That is what happened last season when Idonije started the first nine games at left end before Corey Wootton, now 26, replaced him in the lineup. Wootton put together a solid season with seven sacks, 12 quarterback pressures and two forced fumbles. It was the breakout season the team had been seeking from the 2010 fourth-round draft pick.

Idonije spent time at tackle and end in the final months of the season and his versatility certainly will be missed. Now it's time for McClellin to push Wootton for the starting spot opposite Julius Peppers.

To do that, McClellin will have to be more than the mostly situational player he was in 2012 when he played 34.7 percent of the snaps. This spring, he said he added five to seven pounds to his frame and was at 258. That indicates he was playing below his club listing of 260 pounds.

The Bears need McClellin to perform up to expectations of a first-round pick. Pressure is on him as general manager Phil Emery's first draft pick and the club didn't get a lot from the class a year ago. McClellin can't control what other players in his class are doing, but he can shape his own destiny.

"I need to take a big step," he said this spring. "That is what I am planning on doing."

At the same time, this is a contract season for Wootton so he can assure his future with a solid season.

Preview: You have to look at the left side when it comes to playing time decisions.

Peppers remains entrenched on the right side entering the fourth season of the contract he signed in 2010 that guaranteed him $42 million. As it stands, he counts $16,383,333 versus the club's cap this season — roughly 12.7 percent of the Bears' adjusted cap figure of $128.9 million. His base salary is $12.9 million for this season but he's worth it because no one on the defense can harass the opposing quarterback with his ferociousness and regularity. If you can't rush the passer, you can't play any defense with sustained success.

The numbers get bigger for Peppers moving forward. His base salary jumps to $13.9 million in 2014 when his cap number is $17,183,333. Sound too big to keep? Before you go down that path, realize the team has committed only $88.6 million to the 2014 cap so far. There is room to keep Peppers if he's still playing at a high level.

Peppers doesn't say much but his actions this spring were telling. He was regularly on the field and he was hustling. He was sprinting to the sideline to track down ball carriers, the kind of maximum effort you want to see from your highest-paid players.

That's a clear sign he has bought into new coordinator Mel Tucker and the changes that are afoot at Halas Hall.

In the meantime, the team has to remain hopeful Wootton and McClellin can make improvements while also considering some other athletic options.

Turk McBride looked like a good fit as a role player throughout the spring and will have a clear opportunity to make the roster. Kyle Moore did some nice things as a pass rusher for the Bills last season but was vulnerable versus the run. Cheta Ozougwu and Aston Whiteside return as projects.

Glass half-full: Peppers doesn't have to challenge for the newly-created Deacon Jones Award, presented annually to the player with the most sacks, but a strong showing and double digits in the category ought to be good enough for him to make the NFC Pro Bowl team for the fourth straight year.

For true progress at the position, Wootton and McClellin need to take significant steps.

Glass half-empty: If Peppers' teammates cannot support him, this easily could be the No. 1 need area in 2014. Peppers turns 34 in January and eventually there needs to be a succession plan. Right now, there needs to be support.

Coaching change: Mike Phair was one of two position coach holdovers from the Lovie Smith era. He should get some credit for some of Wootton's development.

Added to the mix is Michael Sinclair, who worked for five seasons under Marc Trestman in Canada. This is Sinclair's first coaching gig in the NFL but he also worked in NFL Europe and at West Texas A&M.; He was a three-time Pro Bowl performer in 11 seasons with the Seahawks and finished his career with 731/2 sacks, the second-most in Seattle history. The hope is he will aid the pass rush.