Packers Deep Dive -- Third Round Pick Chris McClellan
By DanDahlke

After addressing their need at corner, the Green Bay Packers used one of their two fifth-round picks to move up seven spots in the third round and select Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan on Friday night of the NFL Draft.
Brian Gutekunst admitted in his post-draft press conference that McClellan was a guy they were considering taking in the second round, so they wanted to be aggressive and move up when he was still on the board in the middle of the third. It appears the Packers can have their cake and eat it too. They addressed their two biggest needs on the roster with their first two selections.
The 77th-overall pick is a giant 6-foot-4, 313-pound defensive tackle who can play all over the defensive line. He's played nose, one-technique, three-tech, and even a five-tech defensive end. However, in Green Bay, he immediately fills their need at nose, which would allow Javon Hargrave to play more three-technique or 4i.
McClellan should complement what the Packers already have at the position, and it should give them some future talent to develop if they don't end up re-signing Devonte Wyatt or Karl Brooks after this season.
Not only does the big man from Missouri show impressive traits, but he was also productive for the Tigers. After playing two seasons at Florida, he transferred to Missouri as a junior and started two seasons, where he recorded 87 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and nine quarterback hurries.
McClellan has a lot to offer. After reviewing several of his college games from last year, here is what I believe he will bring to the Packers' defense.
Traits to Love and What He Brings to the Packers
1. Quick Get-Off
McClellan is quick out of his stance, especially for such a big man. This helps him be disruptive at the line of scrimmage. He showcased this at the Senior Bowl. He flashed an ability to penetrate into the backfield and blow up running plays, as well as create interior pressure when rushing the passer. His quick first step creates havoc for offensive linemen, and it helps him beat reach blocks.
It's a big reason he can be valuable on third downs, and it is probably why the Packers liked him over some of the other nose tackles available at 77. He is more than just a run-stuffer or block-occupier. He can create interior pressure and move the quarterback off his spot, which creates opportunities for everyone else.
2. Good Hand Usage
The Missouri product possesses strong hands that he uses well to punch linemen and knock them off balance. He also has an effective swim move, which tends to be his go-to when rushing the passer. In the opening drive of his game against Alabama, he ripped past the guard and got in the quarterback's face on a second-and-long. The quarterback had to get rid of the ball and check it down to a tailback for a short gain because he didn't have the time to look downfield. On the very next play, McClellan took on a double-team but used his hands to get in the linemen's chest and extended his arms to drive them back and collapse the pocket. It is these type of plays that make him an exciting prospect. He just needs to learn how to do it consistently at the next level.
3. Good Functional Strength
McClellan has a wide build, and when he plays with his pads low, he can set an effective anchor, even against double teams. This will be important for him to develop further if he's going to play nose in the NFL. McClellan flashes impressive strength. Whether that's tossing a guard off to the side like a ragdoll (Auburn game), or driving back a center several yards into the pocket. However, McClellan would have been a top-50 pick if he showed he can do this consistently on the field. He certainly has the build and the base to anchor. However, his pad level needs some work (which we'll discuss later).
4. High Motor / Second Effort
McClellan makes a lot of second-effort plays, especially as a pass rusher. However, his constant motor extends to the run game as well. He is tasked with fighting through double teams, but he still finds production. He also fights like a dog until the whistle, which is a very desirable trait to have in the trenches. He's going to be a selfless player who opens up opportunities for other defenders.
Areas of Improvement at the Next Level
1. Pad Level
It is clear in the film that the top area to work on in McClellan's game is his pad level. He routinely plays with high pads, which minimizes his functional strength because it allows opposing linemen to get their pads under his and control him at the line of scrimmage. For his size and strength, McClellan gets moved off his spot too often. When he anchors down, he is difficult to move, but this part of his game is really inconsistent, which is concerning, especially if he's expected to play any kind of significant role at nose next season. A reasonable guess is that the Packers coaching staff believes this is something they can fix about his game. If he can improve in this area, then the future is really bright for him.
2. Lacks Elite Change of Direction
Lacking elite agility and change of direction might not be as big of a deal if he primarily plays nose, but it could limit his role if he's asked to play more three-technique. McClellan lacks quick change-of-direction ability, and while he does a nice job working his way down the line of scrimmage when runs are away from him, he does struggle to redirect when he's out of phase with the play progression. This is why it makes sense if the Packers drafted him to develop at nose tackle. It seems to be a better spot for him at the next level, while Wyatt, Hargrave, and Brooks are more natural three-techniques.
Realistic Expectations
It might be a lot to expect McClellan to crack the starting lineup at the start of his rookie year. However, it is clear he will be a key rotational piece as he adjusts to the game in the NFL. The Packers desperately needed depth at defensive line, especially after trading away Colby Wooden this offseason. In a year, they also might be without Wyatt and Brooks. It was time to draft another defensive tackle in the early rounds, and McClellan seems to fit their mold. He offers position and scheme versatility, and he can create interior pressure as a pass rusher. It will be exciting to see how he contributes this year behind the veterans at the position.




Comments (15)
Since'75
April 27, 2026 at 05:36 pm
Off the cuff......
I was thinking, with only 6 draft picks, if Guter can get 1 above average player, good.
If he can get 2 above average players...that's fantastic, great draft.
2 solid starters of need also fills the bill.
Then, a question came to me.
When is the last time the Packers only had 6 picks?
I thought i'd have to do a deep dive.
I found 3 in the last 25 years.
2001
2002
2004
Interestingly, 2000, found the Packers with 13 picks.
pantz_bURp
April 27, 2026 at 06:47 pm
2001 = 6
2002 = 6
2004 = 6
Good work, you lil devil. ;)
Burp
Since'75
April 27, 2026 at 06:59 pm
Yea, well....don't try to sweet talk me.😒
I said....We're done.
Since'75
April 27, 2026 at 07:51 pm
Here's one for the books Mr. Fancy Pantz.
The 2005 Giants draft...only 4 picks!!
Here's the kicker...it was a great draft for them.
pantz_bURp
April 27, 2026 at 08:47 pm
Yeah, well....the Pack says, here's the kicker...in the 6th round.
And, I like it! Life's too short to not take calculated risks.
Pantz "Milli Vanilli" Burp
dobber
April 28, 2026 at 07:29 am
"I found 3 in the last 25 years.
2001
2002
2004"
Thank you, Mike Sherman.
Starrbrite
April 27, 2026 at 10:53 pm
‘75 and Pantz…it’s all about the quality, is it not.? Good posts.
Go Packers!!!
Since'75
April 28, 2026 at 03:09 pm
I'm trying to up his 'game'.
It's a process.
Ihappydirt
April 27, 2026 at 11:33 pm
My guess is they'll keep Wyatt for a 2nd contract because not only does he seem like a decent player, but they might get a deal with his injury. Brooks has time to prove himself. Love the McClennan pick! Kid is big and dynamic!
Since'75
April 28, 2026 at 03:43 pm
Wyatt was given his 5th year option, meaning he is guaranteed 13 million for the '26 season.
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2026 at 06:06 am
One of the things I noticed about our new CM is that he plays "above the waist."
Normally, you want guys who have quick feet or bend to get around the blocker, but CM instead does a lot of "tossing the blocker out of his way." That will be harder with NFL blockers, but there ARE players who have been successful with that approach (including our own Reggie White.)
That ability to toss the blocker also shows up in his tackling; sometimes he throws the blocker into the RB/QB, at other times he shoves the blocker a little to the side and then reaches out one of his giant arm-hands to drag the runner down. If he can continue to do that in the NFL, Gute will have really found something.
Since'75
April 28, 2026 at 03:01 pm
Reminds me of.....
I can remember some Eagles player complaining, they didn't know which direction Reggie was going to throw Tony Mandarich.
golfpacker61
April 28, 2026 at 09:54 am
"Areas of Improvement at the Next Level
1. Pad Level"
And that gets said about the majority of the DTs in every draft. McClellan is about the perfect height, not too short or tall. The tall guys have some advantages, like blocking kicks, but the taller you are, pad level comes more into play. Speaking of blocking kicks, Dennis-Sutton is proficient at that too.
McClellan is more similar to another Packer DT in his build and size, Kenny Clark. That's a lofty comparison, but why not shoot for the moon, and if you come up a little short, you are still pretty good. GB doesn't need great, they need good and healthy. An advantage rookies that play on the D-line is no teams have tape on them yet.
stockholder
April 28, 2026 at 12:35 pm
They said the same thing per Chris Jones KC chiefs.
Clark had better pad level and went before Jones.
NoNonsense
April 28, 2026 at 05:32 pm
In base defense I see McClellan being better used as 3-4 DE or 5 technique with his length and his strength and big hands. Outside he will have less issues with pad level and can still affect the pocket with his length and power. I'd rather see Stackhouse or Ford being the space eater base NT and have MCC rotating with Wyatt and the FA we signed who's name escapes me as I type this, in sub packages.
Van Ness and DDS would also be a good option at 5tech with their length and strength.