Chris McClellan is the Packers’ most ambitious bet of 2026

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - NOVEMBER 29: Chris McClellan #7 of the Missouri Tigers celebrates after a big play during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 31-17.

(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images Most of the Packers’ ambitions for the 2026 NFL Draft were already tied up in the prodigious talents of Micah Parsons. We’ve known that since they made the uncharacteristically bold move to free the formerly disgruntled pass rusher from the clutches of the Dallas Cowboys. But that’s not to say the Packers had a quiet weekend.

Among their six acquisitions in Pittsburgh, their trade up to select Missouri defensive lineman Chris McClellan stands out as particularly bold. The Packers surrendered two picks to grab McClellan, sending their original third round selection (number 84) along with a fifth round pick (number 160) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 77th overall pick. That’s by no means a war chest of picks, but spending two picks on one player should always draw your attention given both the actual cost and the opportunity cost involved in missing out on another chance at a player later.

That’s especially true when you’re selecting a player considerably above his consensus position. The ongoing NFL culture war over consensus draft boards is really neither here nor there (because ultimately, who cares? Certainly not NFL front offices, and they shouldn’t), but when a pick deviates strongly from consensus it opens the door to a conversation about why that happened — and that conversation is going to be a key part of the evaluation of McClellan’s career.