Instant Reactions to Packers Trading Up for DL Chris McClellan in Third Round of 2026 Draft

The Green Bay Packers made a bold move on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading up seven spots in the third round to select Missouri defensive lineman Chris McClellan at 77th overall. The move underscores the Packers’ clear intention to bolster their defensive front.

McClellan, a transfer from Florida, started 21 games over the past two seasons at Missouri, establishing himself as a versatile interior defensive lineman. He boasts impressive size and length at 6-foot-4, 313 pounds, with 34-inch arms and an 84-inch wingspan, giving him the physical tools to dominate at the next level.

During the 2025 season, McClellan set career highs with 21 quarterback pressures and 27 stops. Pro Football Focus graded his run defense at 75.2, reflecting consistent production and improvement over his Missouri tenure. His combination of size, movement, and technique has generated excitement among NFL evaluators.

Zach Kruse of Packers Wire noted that the Packers entered the draft with a pressing need along the defensive line, particularly at nose tackle. By trading up in the third round, the team clearly targeted McClellan, seeing him as a potential cornerstone in a 3-4 front for years to come.

“The Packers moved up seven spots, sacrificing a fifth-round pick, to get him,” Kruse explained. “The interest was very real. McClellan went before Domonique Orange, who landed later in the third round. He offers an attractive blend of size, production against the run, and SEC experience.”

Kruse also emphasized that the Packers addressed multiple needs on Day 2. Alongside McClellan, Green Bay acquired a potential future starter at perimeter cornerback, signaling a draft strategy focused on shoring up key defensive positions with players capable of contributing immediately.

Brandon Carwile added that McClellan provides stout run defense while also flashing the ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks. “I like his upside as a future three-down player,” Carwile wrote. “He’s not just a specialist; he has the tools to be an every-down contributor in the NFL.”

Mark Oldacres highlighted McClellan’s size and athletic profile, noting his 34-inch arms and 11-inch hands. “He’s an ascending player,” Oldacres wrote, “with PFF grades improving against both the run and the pass each year in college. Green Bay prefers defensive tackles with balanced skill sets, and he fits that mold perfectly.”

In addition to his physical attributes, McClellan has shown production that stands out among draft-eligible defensive tackles. Last year, he recorded five sacks and posted an 8.1 percent run-stop rate, ranking 38th among 253 defensive tackles entering the draft. These numbers underscore both efficiency and consistent impact at the line of scrimmage.

Brennen Rupp emphasized McClellan’s activity and quickness off the snap. “He has the lateral quickness to shoot gaps and disrupt action in the backfield,” Rupp wrote. During his two seasons at Missouri after transferring from Florida, McClellan recorded 13.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 39 pressures, and 50 run stops, demonstrating a combination of athleticism and production.

The Packers’ willingness to trade up indicates a strong conviction that McClellan can be a long-term contributor. Teams rarely expend draft capital lightly, and Green Bay’s move reflects confidence in his ability to anchor the interior defensive line and complement the rest of the front seven.

McClellan’s SEC experience against high-level competition is another factor that appealed to the Packers. Facing top-tier offensive lines and skilled quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference provided him with exposure to NFL-caliber talent, helping prepare him for the speed and physicality of the professional game.

From a schematic perspective, McClellan fits neatly into Green Bay’s plans. His combination of size, length, and technique allows him to plug gaps in the run game, absorb double teams, and occasionally generate interior pressure, giving the defensive coordinator flexibility in both base and sub-packages.

Comparisons between McClellan and other interior defensive prospects in the draft will inevitably follow, especially Domonique Orange, who was selected later in the third round by Minnesota. Observers will likely track both players’ careers to see which team benefited most from their respective picks.

Green Bay’s decision to invest a third-round pick in McClellan rather than waiting reflects an urgency to address a longstanding need. The Packers’ defensive line has struggled to generate consistent pressure in recent seasons, and McClellan represents a potential game-changer in the middle of the formation.

Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how McClellan transitions to the NFL. While he has the size and skill set, adapting to the speed and complexity of pro offenses will be critical. Early reports suggest he has the athleticism and work ethic to make an immediate impact.

In sum, the Packers’ trade up for Chris McClellan appears to be a calculated move to fill a key defensive need with a high-upside, productive player. His combination of SEC experience, physical traits, and proven college production suggests he could contribute immediately and develop into a cornerstone of Green Bay’s interior defensive line for years to come.