NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Missouri DL Chris McClellan

At 6'4" and 323 pounds, Chris McClellan stands out on the field.

McClellan uses his size and strength well as a solid run defender, and he's a decent power rusher coming off a productive campaign. That makes the Missouri product an interesting option on Day 3 of the 2026 draft.

McClellan was a 4-star recruit in the 2022 class and originally played at Florida. He was part of the team's defensive line rotation for two seasons, collecting 46 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 25 games during those campaigns.

The former Gator transferred to Missouri ahead of his junior season and immediately became a starter. He racked up 39 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, two passes defended and a forced fumble in 2024 before enjoying a breakout campaign this past season. He accumulated 48 tackles, eight TFLs, six sacks and two PDs as a senior.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Where He Wins

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

- Has an NFL-ready body with good size and thickness for a defensive tackle.

- Solid strength at the point of attack to gain control and get extension against one-on-one blocks as a run defender. Takes on blocks with a wide base and is hard to move one-on-one.

- Decent block recognition overall to avoid getting caught off-guard and washed inside against down blocks or adjust his path to stay in his gap against fold blocks.

- Above-average power rusher. Can occasionally collapse the pocket when bull rushing and has flashed a solid hump move.

- Has also shown a decent swim move and has solid hip fluidity to clear his lower half when working finesse moves as a pass-rusher.

Areas of Improvement

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

- Has a tendency to play with high pad level, making it difficult for him to anchor against double-teams or combo blocks.

- Lacks rotational strength to avoid getting his shoulders turned by scoop blocks.

- Struggles to sink his hips to avoid getting washed out of his gap when working laterally, either when slanting or against reach blocks.

- Struggles with balance in the backfield. Has a hard time breaking down and will miss opportunities to get TFLs.

- Isn't very quick, hurting his ability to win with finesse moves as a pass-rusher.

- Inconsistent timing and placement with his hands when rushing the passer. Exposes his chest by getting caught with late and wide hands.

- Doesn't show any countermoves and has a subpar pass-rush motor if his initial move doesn't work.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

GRADE: 6.3 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: CJ West, Indiana (6.2 in 2025), Gabe Hall, Baylor (6.2 in 2024), Otito Ogbonnia, UCLA (6.2 in 2022)

OVERALL RANK: 185

POSITION RANK: DL17

PRO COMPARISON: Mike Pennel

Measurables and Testing Data

Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 313

HAND: 11"

ARM: 34"

WINGSPAN: N/A

---

40-YARD DASH: 5.05

10-YARD SPLIT: 1.80

3-CONE: N/A

SHUTTLE: N/A

VERTICAL: 29.5"

BROAD: 9'0"