#77 - Chris McClellan - DT - Missouri

[Fritz]

I did not know that about Big Citrus. That changes things a bit. I figured he'd be the guy the Packers would target when the third round started rolling along. Then they traded up . . . and took someone not projected to go until the very end of third or fourth rounds. So the character concerns now answer my questions about why they took General McClellan instead of Big Citrus.

[run pMc]

Only thing Brugler mentioned in the Beast about Orange (NOT MCCLELLAN) and possible character concerns:

● Trimmed down to 325 pounds and worked well with nutritionists in the program
● Credits the Iowa State culture for “changing” his life after he almost quit football (NFL scout: “Selfish kid who needed to be pushed when he arrived and really grew up mentally.”)
● Questions about conditioning (tends to shut it down too quickly once a run goes away from him)
● Will benefit from NFL structure to keep his weight in a good spot (personal high was 408 pounds as a senior in high school)

Despite having a limited range of impact, he played lighter in 2025, and his conditioning is a critical factor in his on-field success. Overall, Orange is an ineffective pass rusher but has the frame and play strength to be an immovable, stout nose when he wants to be. He projects best as a one-technique or shade in a 4-3 scheme.

I think they liked McClellan better because of versatility - he can play all along the line, not just at the nose, and he has some pass rush ability. He's not just a plugger. I also think there was definite interest from the teams they jumped ahead - there was a rumor Minnesota (who took Orange) war room reacted negatively when GB took McClellan. Also worth noting that Regis and Orange (both DT's) went in the picks between 78 and 84 (where GB would have been).,. so it's possible he would have been gone by 84 and almost certainly gone by GB's R4 pick.
Honestly, I probably would have taken Orange -not knowing any character issues- but in an alternate universe, I'd be fine had taken DDS in R3 and gotten McClellan in R4.

They need help at DT and they have it with Hargrave and this pick. I'm still not clear what the plan is at Nose Tackle though. Platoon it, or assign it based on matchups? Ford and Stackhouse certainly can't be the plan.

[Joemailman]

They need help at DT and they have it with Hargrave and this pick. I'm still not clear what the plan is at Nose Tackle though. Platoon it, or assign it based on matchups? Ford and Stackhouse certainly can't be the plan.

I think NT will be based on matchups. The camp battles at DT will be interesting. You got 3 locks (Wyatt, Hargrave, McClellen), 3 guys who were on the team all of last year (Brooks, Brinson and Stackhouse), Jonathan Ford, and a bunch of guys nobody's heard of battling for 5-6 spots. If Brinson and Stackhouse make a 2nd year jump at all, could be a pretty good group.