Background
Chris McClellan grew up in North Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of Kenny McClellan, who played receiver at Mississippi State, and DaRina McClellan. His father trained him with unconventional methods: receiver drills, 7-on-7 competitions as the only defensive lineman taking part, and yoga. Chris has said openly that as a young child he did not like football and would sit in the grass playing with bugs during practice. He attended Edison Preparatory School for three years before transferring to Owasso High School for his senior season under Bill Blankenship, the former University of Tulsa head coach, recording 46 tackles, 5 sacks, and 12 QB hurries while earning a selection to the 2022 All-American Bowl. A consensus four-star ranked No. 113 nationally and No. 1 in Oklahoma by Rivals, he committed to Florida during Thanksgiving week 2021, played 26 games across two seasons, recording 46 tackles, 3.5 TFL, and 2 sacks. Then he entered the transfer portal in December 2023 and chose Missouri. The move transformed his career: 39 tackles, 5.5 TFL, and 2.5 sacks in 2024, then a breakout 2025 with 48 tackles, 8 TFL, and 6 sacks across 13 starts, earning Second-Team All-SEC. Career totals across four seasons and 51 games: 133 tackles, 17 TFL, 10.5 sacks. He took part in the 2026 Senior Bowl and majors in general studies before declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Physical Attributes
RAS:
McClellan has an interesting athletic profile. He has solid size, and then some above-average traits and a few weak ones. The weak ones, he has terrible first-step burst; it looks like he generates almost no power on his first step, but every step after that it gets better. His pure agility is non-existent, but mitigates that with lateral quickness along the line that is serviceable. His strength is solid as well, only struggling against maulers.
Data and Tape Analysis
If you are unfamiliar with my DT radar charts, you can find more information here
Well, that's an intriguing little radar chart after some of the DT slop we have been looking at recently. Very well-rounded, if not having any standout traits. The tape tells the same story, but let's dive into how.
As a run defender, McClellan holds up well against blockers. My favorite part of his game, though, is his vision. He does a great job of making sure he has eyes in the backfield to see how the play is developing. The only time he loses that is when he is hit from the side; he is easily turned and subsequently displaced. In combination with his 78th percentile arm length to keep blockers off of him and allow him the freedom to go make a play. One on one battles for him are easy, unless a true mauler in the run game is across from him, where he gets moved.
In the pass rush, I like what I see from McClellan. Since he closes faster than he starts, his speed can come up on you and surprise. Add to that his ability to find gaps, and a powerful club and bull rush, and there is enough there to concern NFL IOL. One of my favorite reps of his was against Texas A&M where he got under the shoulder pads of the guard and repeatedly lifted him up and pushed him back, making the guard look like he was on a pogo stick. He still needs refinement as his hand placement can be erratic and ineffective, but that could be coached out of him.
Grade and Outlook
McClellan looks like a very solid DL presence in the NFL. He has played against the best in the game in the SEC for four years and so the step up for him, while an adjustment, will not be as large as some other players. Could see him becoming an average to plus starter who is more a jack of all trades.
Grade: 5.7 (Late 2nd Rounder / Early 3rd Rounder)
