Chris McClellan fits Chiefs' push to rebuild depleted defensive line in draft

There are two positions in the 2026 Draft that the Chiefs feel most likely to "double up" on. If you haven't already guessed, it has to be corner and defensive line. If you want to be specific, it could be defensive tackle and edge. Don't let the addition of Khyiris Tonga fool you into thinking the Chiefs are set along the defensive line. The Chiefs are replacing over 1,400 snaps along the defensive line after moving on from Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, Derrick Nnadi, and Mike Pennel.

There are some natural replacements for those snaps in-house with Omarr Norman-Lott and Felix Anudike-Uzomah returning from injury, but even then, adding just a single edge rusher might not be sufficient. Especially when you factor in that an aging Chris Jones played 73% of the snaps last season and George Karlaftis played 78% of the snaps.

Adding better players is certainly a way to improve the defensive line, but keeping those players fresher is another way to get better productivity. The last two Super Bowl champions (Eagles and Seahawks) both leveraged a heavy defensive line rotation to keep their guys fresher. Sure, Chris Jones is effective, but how much more effective could he be playing 25 snaps a game in key moments rather than playing 40 snaps? The Chiefs need to add depth all across their defensive line, and Chris McClellan could be another value pick for the defensive line.

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NFL Draft Profile: Chris McClellan, IDL, Missouri

1. Chris McClellan's background
2. Chris McClellan's strengths
3. Chris McClellan's weaknesses
4. Chris McClellan's fit with the Chiefs

Chris McClellan's background

Age: 22 (on draft day)

Height: 6-4

Weight: 313 LBS

Hands: 11 inches

Arms: 34 inches

Tape Exposure: Texas A&M (2025), Kansas (2025), South Carolina (2025)

McClellan attended high school at Edison Preparatory School for his first three seasons before moving on to Owasso High School, located in Owasso, Oklahoma. Rated as a 4-star prospect via 247Sports, he received several high-level offers before committing to Florida. He was a rotational player for the Gators as a true freshman and as a sophomore. He entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season and committed to Missouri. He became a starter and flourished in Columbia, Missouri. He finished his college career with 17 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and 54 pressures.

Chris McClellan's strengths

Strength at Point of Attack

Packs a powerful punch at the line of scrimmage with massive 11-inch hands (97th percentile) and 34-inch arms. Has lots of natural leverage and power in his upper body. Very explosive lower half with a 96th percentile broad jump.

NFL Frame

Ideal NFL size and frame with room to grow. 6-4 and 313 lbs but carries the weight well.

Pass Rush

Fairly productive for a college defensive tackle as a pass rusher. Has shown a natural ability to rush the passer. Has a good swim move and lateral agility, paired with power to bring pressure to the quarterback.

Chris McClellan's weaknesses

Run Stopping

Not a true two-gapping run-stopping presence. Going to bring some splash plays to the run game with his penetrating style but can also abandon rush lanes.

Athleticsm

Just a modest athlete for the position, not overly quick or shifty relative to offensive line play. At times, the pass-rush motor can run empty if he does not win with his initial move.

Hand Usage/ Play Height

Inconsistent hand usage from snap to snap. Struggles to counter if blockers get under his pads. Loses leverage with below-average pad height.

Chris McClellan's fit with the Chiefs

For the Chiefs, McClellan wouldn't be expected to come in on Day 1 and start for the defense, but he could quickly grow into a rotational piece. His ability to be serviceable in both the pass and run game makes him a solid option to spell Chris Jones and Omarr Norman-Lott. Ideally, he'd play run downs or neutral downs with Tonga and others, giving way to pass-rush downs for Norman-Lott and Jones. There's pass-rush upside, too, that can develop into a three-down player.

McClellan is a powerful interior defender with a strong, NFL-ready build who can control the line of scrimmage when his hands land correctly and he plays with proper timing. He flashes the ability to collapse the pocket with power and finish plays in the backfield, but his impact is inconsistent due to high pad level, average get-off, and unreliable hand usage.

Round Grade: Grey Chip (Day 3 Grade)

Shades of: Jarran Reed