What draft experts said about new Packers defensive tackle Chris McClellan

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Two-year starter who is solidly proportional with adequate length. McClellan is not a natural knee-bender, which limits his anchor, and he allows blockers too far into his frame too often. He has flashes where he can dominate a rep, but he will need to improve his take-on technique and hand usage to be more consistent. His first step is average and his pass rush isn’t overly explosive, but McClellan can pry open edges with strong hands. He plows through to collapse pockets once his foot is in the door and projects as a backup nose tackle in an even-front defense.

Todd McShay, The Ringer

McClellan is a long, powerful interior defensive lineman who emerged after transferring from Florida to Missouri, where he became a productive, multi-year starter (87 tackles, 14 TFL, 8.5 sacks over two seasons). He brings an appealing blend of size, length (34-inch arms, large hands), strength, and body control, though his game is heavily dependent on technique and pad level.

Everything with McClellan starts with leverage. When he fires out with proper knee bend and lower pads, he plays with much better balance and can maximize his length—jolting blockers, disengaging, and pursuing effectively. However, he’s inconsistent in this area, often playing too high, which limits his impact.

Athletically, he’s not explosive or twitchy. He lacks elite get-off and redirect quickness, but compensates with strength, flexibility, and the ability to work through contact. As a pass rusher, he’s more of a grinder than a penetrator, using length and upper-body power to collapse pockets and generate pressure rather than quick wins. His hands are heavy but not especially sudden or violent.

Against the run, he holds up well one-on-one thanks to his length and upper-body strength, but his high pad level and average lower-body power show up against double-teams, where he can gradually give ground.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: What draft experts said about new Packers defensive tackle Chris McClellan