GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers selected Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan in the sixth round. The pick was polarizing. It was also calculated.
McClellan, 23, is part of a draft class that MSN recently labeled as containing “two of the most overlooked NFL draft picks.” The other is edge rusher Micah Parsons. Together, they form the foundation of a defensive line rebuild that could define Green Bay’s next competitive window.
Meet Chris McClellan: From Missouri to Lambeau
McClellan’s college production at Missouri was solid, not spectacular. In three seasons, he logged 8.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss. Scouts flagged his lack of elite length and inconsistent pad level. Yet his tape shows a player who wins with leverage and an explosive first step.
“I want to make a strong impression,” McClellan told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in a video interview. His mindset is clear. His opportunity is real.
The Packers’ front office, led by general manager Brian Gutekunst, saw value where others saw a late-round flier. McClellan’s athletic testing — a 4.82-second 40-yard dash at 305 pounds — ranked in the 85th percentile among defensive tackles since 2010.
Why the Packers Boast Two ‘Most Overlooked’ Picks
The MSN article highlighted Green Bay’s ability to find value on Day 3. McClellan is one. The other is Parsons, who fell due to off-field concerns. Both players fill specific gaps in the Packers’ scheme.
| Player | Draft Slot | Position | Scout Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris McClellan | 6th round | DT | Developmental |
| Micah Parsons | 2nd round | EDGE | First-round talent |
Historical precedent supports the bet. The Packers found Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton in the fourth round. Safety Micah Hyde went in the fifth. Late-round hits are part of the franchise’s DNA.
Chris McClellan’s Early Signs: Answering a Polarizing Draft Decision
Lombardi Ave reported that the decision to draft McClellan over Domonique Orange, a higher-rated tackle, drew skepticism. The early returns suggest the gamble is paying off.
During organized team activities, McClellan consistently won one-on-one drills with his hand usage. Coaches noted his ability to disengage from blocks quickly. His explosive first step was a recurring theme in practice reports.
The fit alongside Parsons is critical. Parsons, a pure edge rusher, needs interior pressure to free him from double teams. McClellan’s quickness at the three-technique position creates exactly that.
The Underrated Skill Set: A Potential Steal
McClellan’s technical strengths are specific. He plays with low pad level, generating leverage against bigger guards. His initial quickness allows him to shoot gaps before offensive linemen can set. In the run game, he uses his hands to control gaps.
His weaknesses — inconsistent anchor and limited pass-rush arsenal — are coachable. The Packers’ defensive line coach, Jerry Montgomery, has a track record of developing Day 3 picks into rotational contributors.
Statistical comps are encouraging. Since 2015, defensive tackles drafted in rounds 5-7 with similar athletic profiles have outperformed their draft slot by an average of 2.3 sacks per season.
Impact on the Packers’ Defensive Line Rotation
Kenny Clark remains the anchor at nose tackle. Devonte Wyatt is the primary three-technique. McClellan projects as a rotational piece in sub-packages, playing 25-30 percent of snaps as a rookie.
His role is clear: attack the quarterback on passing downs. The Packers lacked interior push last season, ranking 22nd in pressure rate from defensive tackles. McClellan addresses that weakness directly.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is Chris McClellan and why did the Green Bay Packers draft him?
- A: Chris McClellan is a defensive tackle from Missouri, drafted by the Packers in the sixth round. He was chosen for his explosive first step, leverage-based play, and high athletic testing scores, despite being overlooked by many scouts.
- Q: Why are Chris McClellan and Micah Parsons considered the most overlooked draft picks?
- A: According to MSN, both players were undervalued in the draft. McClellan fell due to perceived lack of elite length and inconsistent pad level, while Parsons dropped due to off-field concerns. Both fill specific needs in Green Bay’s defensive line rebuild.
- Q: What makes Chris McClellan a potential secret weapon for the Packers?
- A: McClellan’s athletic testing ranked in the 85th percentile among defensive tackles since 2010, and his tape shows consistent wins using leverage and quickness. The Packers’ front office saw him as a high-value pick capable of making an immediate impact.
Extended Reading
The Packers’ 2026 draft class is already generating buzz. For a full breakdown of McClellan’s college career and draft analysis, see the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel video: Meet Green Bay Packers draft pick, defensive tackle Chris McClellan . For the “most overlooked” narrative, read the MSN feature. For the early signs from OTAs, see Lombardi Ave’s analysis.
Final prediction: McClellan becomes a key rotational piece. He justifies the polarizing draft decision. Green Bay’s secret is out.