The San Francisco 49ers plan to host former Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan, a 6’4″, 313-pound defensive tackle projected to be selected in the early 100s, according to the consensus big board.
McClellan’s measurements stand out in a positive light, as his height, weight, and 34″ arm length are all in the 70th percentiles. Even better, McClellan’s 11″ hands are giving DeForest Buckner a run for his money in the 97th percentile. His broad jump was in the 96th percentile.
Missouri’s defense was excellent this past season. The Tigers finished 10th in the country in adjusted EPA per play and third in success rate. It’s not a bad idea to pluck players from that defense.
So how would a player with those measurables and athletic traits fall to Day 3 of the draft? The Alabama game is a prime example. The first four plays against Alabama sum up McClellan well. His length shows up on the first play, but he falls to the ground chasing the ball-carrier down the line of scrimmage.
On the third play, McClellan is introduced to what double teams and down blocks against Kaydn Proctor look like. Spoiler: They are no fun. It’s another play where McClellan ends up on his backside. Then, on the fourth play, you see some first-step quickness from McClellan for a quarterback hit.
The Niners defensive tackle group consists of Osa Odighizuwa, Alfred Collins, CJ West, and after that, you’re getting into names like Sebastian Valdez and Evan Anderson. Of course, there are hybrid edge players like Mykel Williams and Keion White who can kick inside, but the depth at the position is lacking.
McClellan, a 4-year senior, seems like he could hold up at a 5-technique in an odd front. I believe he was playing out of position at Missouri. Against the Crimson Tide, for example, McClellan played 1-tech, the defensive tackle spot closest to the center. During the previous two seasons, he spent 13 and 20 percent of the time lined up as a nose tackle. Rarely would he play on the edge.
McClellan had five sacks this past season with 20 pressures. Both of those were career-highs. His pressure rate was in the single digits every season. McClellan did have nine tackles for loss in each of the previous two seasons.
Getting McClellan in a situation where he could thrive as a rotational player and play as your 1-technique on obvious passing downs feels like a good complement to Collins and West. It’ll be on Kris Kocurek to get McClellan to play with a consistent pad level. But the size and athletic traits are there, especially if you’re getting this prospect in the fourth round.
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