The Green Bay Packers selected Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan with the 77th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up. McClellan's versatility and potential as a disruptive player have garnered mixed reactions from fans and analysts.
Key points
Packers traded up from 84th to 77th pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Selected Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan
McClellan is praised for his versatility on the defensive line
Fans had mixed reactions to the selection compared to other prospects
McClellan's physical attributes include 34-inch arms and 11-inch hands
Green Bay PackersChris McClellan2026 NFL DraftMissouri Tigers
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - NOVEMBER 29: Chris McClellan #7 of the Missouri Tigers walks to the locker room before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 31-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When the Green Bay Packers traded up from the 84th to the 77th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, fans were poised for an exciting moment, hoping that the team would find a game-breaking prospect with their accelerated third-round pick. Instead of a fan favorite like Domonique Orange, however, the team selected Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan instead, a player who was not widely projected to Green Bay leading up to the draft.
However, the Packers appreciate versatility in their linemen on both sides of the football, and that’s a quality that McClellan certainly possesses. There’s some pass-rush juice there, and his long arms (34”) and big hands (11”) should help him keep offensive linemen off him on the interior of the line.
Orange went a few picks later to the Minnesota Vikings, a selection that will surely link he and McClellan’s careers forever in the minds of Packers fans. Still, let’s take a look at some of the reactions to the McClellan selection, as there are some individuals who are big fans of the selection.
Our Instant Reax
@amfam
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 25, 2026
Green Bay clearly wanted McClellan badly. Brian Gutekunst said after the draft that the team had him on their board and under consideration with the 52nd pick, when they took cornerback Brandon Cisse, and they were happy to land him later after the trade up. To illustrate just how badly they were trying to move up for him, Milt Hendrickson explains:
Packers director of football operations Milt Hendrickson said the war room had six people working the phones to trade up for Missouri DT Chris McClellan. Thinks McClellan fits team’s need for a nose tackle but can also play across the defensive line. pic.twitter.com/QujdpWOR4U
Q&A
Why did the Packers trade up to select Chris McClellan at #77?
The Packers traded up to select McClellan because they viewed him as a valuable addition with versatility and the ability to fill multiple positions on the defensive line.
What are Chris McClellan's physical attributes?
Chris McClellan has impressive physical attributes, including 34-inch arms and 11-inch hands, which are expected to aid his performance in the NFL.
How does Chris McClellan fit into the Packers' defensive scheme?
McClellan is seen as capable of playing various roles in the Packers' defense, including as a nose tackle or 3-technique, particularly in nickel formations.
What were the reactions from analysts and fans regarding McClellan's selection?
Reactions have been mixed, with some analysts praising McClellan's potential and fit for the team, while others expressed disappointment over the choice compared to other available prospects.
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Meanwhile, McClellan is ready to get in and do the work wherever the Packers want him to play. They evidently see him as being capable of playing in a few different spots, and he’s happy to line up at any spot on the line.
Packers DT Chris McClellan on his versatility:
"I can play anywhere across the line, and that's what I'm going to do. Wherever they need me to go, I'll go and play and contribute and help the team in whatever way I can. I don't care if I have to be a zero nose or a…
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by\_JBH) April 25, 2026
Justin Melo is a veteran draft analyst for Sports Illustrated, and he interviewed McClellan earlier in the draft process. Take a quick look at how he breaks down his own game here:
Chris McClellan is your prototypical #GoPackGo pick! #NFLDraft
Pro-ready DL with 34" arms. Will play in this league for a loooong time.
Packers fans, get familiar with McClellan via his NFL Draft SI interview:
— Justin M (@JustinM\_NFL) April 25, 2026
Meanwhile, Brennan Rupp of Packers Wire thinks McClellan is an excellent fit:
Green Bay’s newest defensive tackle.
The Packers needed to add a disruptive DT and Chris McClellan checks the boxes. pic.twitter.com/xx3JF3uy2r
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen\_Rupp) April 25, 2026
McClellan was also a favorite in the locker room and among the media around the Missouri program. Here’s a good illustration of that:
Really happy for Chris McClellan, one of my favorite players I’ve covered at #Mizzou. Green Bay got a good one.
Did a story on him last season that was a lot of fun to write:
— Chase (@chasegemes) April 25, 2026
As for Acme Packing Company’s own contributors, at least one is a big fan of this pick. Hopefully Dusty Evely will give us a film breakdown at some point in the near future after this comment:
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Meanwhile, our Tyler Brooke also looked at McClellan’s game earlier this offseason and liked what he saw. Here’s a quick cutup of some of his highlights:
Mark me down as VERY intrigued by Missouri DT Chris McClellan.
34" arms. 11" hands.
Really stout against the run and has enough quickness to bring pass-rushing juice. Lowering his pad level and improving his technique could make him a \dominant\ three-down player. pic.twitter.com/aBtOa5Z2RZ
— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) March 15, 2026
All told, McClellan can play in a number of different positions, especially if the Packers are set up in a nickel base for much of the time. That’s the type of defense that Missouri used, and in that scheme, he should be comfortable as a nose or a 3-technique. The pick also means that Green Bay should have the flexibility to draft another defensive tackle on day three of the draft if they should want to, and they won’t be limited to any specific type of tackle — they can just focus on finding a quality player, regardless of what role they might play on the line.
