Instant reactions to Packers trading up for DL Chris McClellan in third round of 2026 draft

The Green Bay Packers traded up seven spots in the third round to select Missouri defensive lineman Chris McClellan at No. 77 overall in the 2026 draft.

McClellan, a Florida transfer, was a 21-game starter along Missouri's defensive line over the last two seasons. He has terrific size and length at 6-4 and 313 pounds, with 34" arms and a wingspan of almost 84". In 2025, McClellan set career highs in pressures (21) and stops (27), and his run defense grade at PFF peaked at 75.2.

Instant reactions to the Packers taking McClellan at No. 77 overall:

Zach Kruse

The Packers came into this draft with an obvious need along the defensive line, and specifically at nose tackle. The answer arrived via trade up in the third round to select McClellan, who looks the part as a run-stuffing interior defender with real potential to play in the middle of the 3-4 front. The Packers moved up seven spots, sacrificing a fifth-round pick, to get him, so the interest was very real. McClellan went before Domonique Orange, who eventually landed in Minnesota later in the third round. It will be interesting comparing the careers of both players. McClellan brings an attractive blend of size, production against the run and experience in the SEC, and he moves well for a 313-pounder. Overall, the Packers attacked their primary needs on Day 2, getting a potential future starter at perimeter corner and a potential future starter at nose tackle.

Brandon Carwile

The Packers wasted no time addressing two of their biggest needs in cornerback and defensive tackle. In McClellan, they are getting a stout run defender who has also flashed the tools to be a disruptive pass rusher. I like his upside as a future three-down player.

Mark Oldacres

McClellan is a big man at almost 6-4, 313 pounds with 34” arms and 11” hands. He is an ascending player, having seen his PFF grades improve against both the run and the pass each year in college. The Packers like defensive tackles with balanced profiles and he has it, with five sacks last year and an 8.1% run stop rate which ranked 38th of 253 draft eligible defensive tackles. Trading up to get him in Round 3 feels a little rich, but it is easy to see what attracted to him.