Chris McClellan

NFL Draft Profile: Chris McClellan

Position: Defensive Tackle (3-Tech/DI) | School: Missouri (via Florida) | Class: Senior

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 323 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Chris McClellan is a physical, high-motor defensive lineman who truly blossomed after transferring from Florida to Missouri. At Florida (2022–2023), he was a consistent rotational piece, appearing in all 25 games and showing flashes of interior power. However, his 2024 and 2025 seasons at Missouri saw him evolve into a premier Leadership figure on the "Death Row Defense." In 2025, he earned Second-Team All-SEC honors after starting all 12 games and anchoring one of the country's most physical defensive fronts. He is a versatile "mauler" who combines raw mass with refined hand technique, making him a cornerstone for a defense that limited elite SEC offenses all year.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 50

• Total Tackles: 133

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 17.0

• Sacks: 10.5

• 2025 Production: 42 Tackles, 7.0 TFL, 5.0 Sacks, 2 PBUs, 6 QB Hurries

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
Murray State	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	A-	Dominant "get-off" against overmatched guards.
Buffalo	4 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B+	Disciplined; controlled the interior run game.
Boston College	2 Tkl	B-	Solid anchor but struggled with BC's mobile QB.
Vanderbilt	7 Tkl, 2.5 TFL	A+	Career Highs. Lived in the backfield; unblockable 1-on-1.
@ Texas A&M	3 Tkl	B	Stout in the A-gap; provided consistent pocket push.
UMass	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	B+	Efficient pass rush; high effort on limited snaps.
@ Auburn	4 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A	Career-best solo tackles; physically bullied the guard.
@ Alabama	4 Tkl, 1 PD	A-	Limited a Top-10 offense; showed great Play Recognition.
Oklahoma	2 Tkl, 1 PD	B	Active hands; batted a pass to kill a crucial drive.
@ South Carolina	3 Tkl	B	Grit-and-grind game; fought through double teams.
@ Miss. State	3 Tkl	B	Solid role in a blowout win; gap disciplined.
Arkansas	4 Tkl, 2.0 Sacks	A+	Season Finale. Named SEC DL of the Week; clutched the win.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Massive Natural Frame: At 6'4" and 323 lbs with an 81-inch wingspan, he has "prototype" size. He uses his length to "stack and shed" effectively.

• Pass Rush Evolution: Unlike many 320lb+ tackles, he has a legitimate "tool bag." He can win with a bull-rush, but also shows a surprising rip-and-swim move.

• Leadership & Culture: Widely cited as a culture-setter at Mizzou. His Intangibles are elite; he’s a vocal leader who keeps the DL focused under pressure.

• Contact Balance: Displays very good core strength; he rarely gets knocked off his feet even when taking on "double-team" combos.

Weaknesses

• Leverage Consistency: He can arrive "high" as a tackler. When his pad level rises, shorter interior linemen can win the leverage battle and move him.

• Snap Anticipation: Occasionally half-a-beat late off the ball. In the NFL, this split-second delay will allow elite centers to get into his chest first.

• Athletic Ceiling: While very strong, he lacks "elite" twitch or explosive burst compared to the top 1% of DT prospects. He is a "power-steady" mover.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-Technique in a 4-3 "Attacking" front or a 5-Technique in a 3-4 system.

NFL Comparison: Dalvin Tomlinson / D.J. Jones

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 15/20 | IQ: 17/20 Final Grade: 86/100

Chris McClellan is one of the most reliable interior defenders in the 2026 class. His invitation to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine confirms that league scouts value his consistency and pro-ready frame. He is a "safe" pick who provides immediate value in a defensive rotation. While he might not be a first-round "freak," his SEC pedigree and proven ability to produce TFLs against elite competition make him a priority Day 2 or early Day 3 target.

Draft Projection: 3rd - 4th Round