Canadian tight end Tanner McLachlan has been selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 194th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The native of Lethbridge, Alta. was viewed as a potential Day 2 prospect by some prominent draft analysts but fell deep into Day 3 after undergoing core muscle surgery after his pro day.
McLachlan has played the last two seasons at the University of Arizona, becoming the most successful Wildcats tight end since Rob Gronkowski. In 25 games, he hauled in 79 passes for 984 yards and six touchdowns to become the school’s all-time receiving leader amongst tight ends. He was named an honourable mention All-PAC 12 selection for his efforts in 2023.
The Canadian standout arrived in Tucson as a walk-on transfer from Southern Utah University, where he missed the 2021 season due to injury. In five years with the Thunderbirds, he saw action in 11 games and recorded 15 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns.
The six-foot-five, 244-pound pass catcher was invited to the prestigious Senior Bowl all-star game but was unable to participate due to injury. He was healthy enough to attend the NFL Combine, clocking an official 4.61-second forty-yard dash with a 1.58-second ten-yard split, along with a 35-inch vertical and a nine-foot, nine-inch broad jump.
McLachlan is the third-ranked prospect in the 2024 CFL Draft but is not expected to be selected until late due to his substantial NFL opportunity. He is one of as many as seven Canadians who could hear their name called in the 2024 NFL Draft, which will wrap up on Saturday.
