What are the Packers getting in new DL Chris McClellan?

· Yahoo Sports

After addressing cornerback with the 52nd overall pick, the Green Bay Packers tackle their need at defensive tackle in the third round by trading up to select Chris McClellan with the 77th overall pick.

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"He’s a guy that really checked a lot of boxes since the middle of the season through the all-star process," Milt Hendrickson, the Director of Football Operations for the Packers, said. "Big man, good length."

A four-star recruit, McClellan started his college career at Florida before transferring to Missouri for the 2024 season. During his first season with the Tigers, McClellan recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. This past season, he recorded 48 tackles, eight tackles for loss and six sacks.

"Chris was already one of Missouri’s most productive players in 2024, but developed into a real anchor in the trenches for the Tigers in 2025," Joey Van Zummeren, a Missouri reporter for SI, said. "There was a lot of rotation amongst the rest of the defensive line depth chart, but McClellan was a constant."

At 6-3, 313 pounds with 34-inch arms, McClellan owns an NFL body. He's an active player with good initial quickness off the snap. He has the lateral quickness to shoot gaps and disrupt the action in the backfield. He has excellent backfield vision against the run. The Missouri defensive tackle recorded 13.5 tackles for loss and 50 run stops during his two seasons with the Tigers.

"His size really helps him out as a run defender," Van Zummeren said. "Once he gets in the backfield, he’s quicker than most would maybe expect at being able to close gaps."

McClellan is quick off the ball and has coordinated athleticism for his size. He can drive single blockers in reverse. During his two seasons with the Tigers, he recorded 8.5 sacks and 39 pressures.

"His upper-body strength really shows up in his pass rushing, which made up for the fact that he’s not the most explosive rusher," Van Zummeren said.

McClellan is the nose tackle body type that the Packers needed to add to the defense. He checks the boxes with his size and strength. He could quickly earn a starting role and there is no doubt he will contribute early as part of the rotation. He's a well-rounded player capable of making plays against the run and putting pressure on the quarterback.

"McClellan’s pro-ready size, versatility and wealth of experience make him a high-floor pick," Van Zummeren said. "I see him making an immediate impact in the middle of the depth chart."

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: What are the Packers getting in new DL Chris McClellan?

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