What to know about Chris McClellan, the Packers’ third-round pick

TL;DR

The Green Bay Packers traded up to select Chris McClellan, a nose tackle from Missouri, with the 77th overall pick in the NFL Draft. They traded their original 84th and 160th picks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for this selection.

Key points

Packers traded up to select Chris McClellan
Chris McClellan is a nose tackle from Missouri
Selected with the 77th overall pick
Packers traded 84th and 160th picks to Buccaneers

Chris McClellanGreen Bay PackersTampa Bay BuccaneersNFL Draft

GREEN BAY − The Green Bay Packers traded up to select Missouri nose tackle Chris McClellan with the 77th overall pick.

The Packers were originally set to have the 84th pick, but instead made a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Green Bay's No. 84 and No. 160 overall picks.

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Here's a look at the newest Packer.

What are analysts saying about Chris McClellan?

From ESPN: “With stops at Florida and Missouri, McClellan played all his collegiate football in the SEC, and he totaled six sacks this past season. He possesses a very good frame and the ability to occupy blockers, allowing linebackers to play downhill in run support. McClellan plays with heavy hands and does a good job controlling his gap at the point of attack. He has the strength to anchor and take on double-teams. But at times he can play too high, which makes him more susceptible to being washed out of the play despite his strength.”

NFL's Lance Zierlein: “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.”