Controversial Green Bay Packers Pick Already Proving GM Brian Gutekunst Was Right
The Green Bay Packers’ decision to draft Chris McClellan over Domonique Orange drew mixed reactions on draft night, but the early returns continue to point in one direction: McClellan is off to a strong, encouraging start in his first offseason with the team. While it will take years to fully evaluate the choice, the rookie defensive lineman is already showing signs that he may justify the Packers’ confidence.
Green Bay Packers Chris McClellan Turning Heads
Many analysts and fans expected Green Bay to select Orange, who was widely projected as a fit for the Packers and ranked higher on several consensus boards. Instead, the team chose McClellan at No. 77 overall, leaving Orange to fall to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 82. The situation immediately drew comparisons to the Josh Myers–Creed Humphrey debate from 2021, a decision that has aged poorly for Green Bay.
This time, however, the Packers may be seeing early evidence that they made the right call.
McClellan Impresses Coaches With Early Growth
McClellan has consistently earned first‑team reps throughout the offseason program, a notable sign for a mid‑round rookie competing on a veteran defensive line. Defensive line coach Vince Oghobaase praised McClellan’s rapid development, telling The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman that the rookie picked up technique and scheme “faster than I thought he would.”
For a player expected to contribute immediately — especially with Micah Parsons sidelined early in the season — this strong start matters. McClellan’s ability to absorb coaching quickly and execute assignments has made a positive first impression heading into training camp on July 29.
Why McClellan Fits What the Packers Need
The Packers drafted McClellan with a clear purpose: to support Parsons and Javon Hargrave on the interior and provide additional pass‑rush production. Parsons carried the pass‑rush burden late last season before suffering a torn ACL, and Green Bay needed a disruptive interior presence to balance the front.
McClellan’s college production made him an appealing option. He recorded 8.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss over his final two seasons — significantly more than Orange, who finished with one sack and five tackles for loss in that span. While Orange boasts superior athletic traits, McClellan was viewed as the more polished and productive football player.
General manager Brian Gutekunst typically favors athletic upside, but this pick represented a shift toward proven performance. Early signs suggest that approach may pay off.
Orange Still Carries Long‑Term Upside
The Packers’ decision wasn’t without risk. Orange’s athletic profile gives him the potential to become an elite run defender, and the Vikings may have landed a long‑term starter who fits their defensive identity. With Minnesota losing Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, Orange could become a foundational piece in their front.
That possibility means the McClellan‑Orange comparison will likely follow both players for years.
Encouraging Signs, But Real Evaluation Will Take Time
As promising as McClellan’s offseason has been, the Packers know that true evaluation begins when pads come on. Training camp and preseason reps will offer a clearer picture of how he handles NFL physicality, blocking schemes, and game‑speed decision‑making.
Still, for now, McClellan is doing exactly what the Packers hoped: learning quickly, earning meaningful reps, and showing flashes of the interior disruption that made him their choice at No. 77.
If he continues on this trajectory, Gutekunst’s decision to prioritize production over athleticism may prove to be the right one — and McClellan could become a key piece of Green Bay’s defensive future.
