Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona
Size:
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 244 pounds
Arm Length: 31 5/8"
Hand Size: 9 3/8"
Accomplishments:
Second-Team All-Pac-12 (2023)
“Tanner McLachlan is an alignment-versatile tight end with a competitive streak that pops off the screen. Can play as a throwback Y-TE along the line of scrimmage and in space as a modern-day F with good hands and the requisite speed to, at a minimum, keep defenses honest.”
Strengths:
Athletic
Hands
Creative YAC
Concerns:
Play strength
Twitch
Consistency as a run-blocker
Film Analysis:
Tanner McLachlan has experience as both a Y and F. As a blocker, McLachlan does a nice job at the point of attack to latch and maintain contact. Not a man mover, but will use his feet and hips to shift defenders away from the play. He also showcases the ability to work up to the second level to seal linebackers on the back side. A little light in his lower half to ever ask to anchor one-on-one in pass pro, but he will provide more than just a chip on a rushing 5-technique.
McLachlan’s game in space remains underrated in this year's class of tight ends. He’s a smooth mover and quick to identify zone coverage. Lightning quick to work upfield after the catch.
In a two-point stance, McLachlan is a build-up speed type of accelerator but uses his head, arms, and hips to sell routes. His route tree remained limited but working into an NFL offense should diversify his portfolio in space. He has strong hands and is tough to bring down in open grass. Will stiff-arm, juke, or spin to get out of the grasp of tacklers. Will not outrun linebackers or safeties but long strides can pick up ground to move the chains. His basketball background is evident inside the red zone, where McLachlan will out-leverage defenders on his hip pocket, extend, and haul in targets. The Arizona product also does a nice job high-pointing the football, showcasing excellent body control and a wide catch radius at a variety of depths.
Overall, McLachlan will challenge for snaps at the NFL level for an organization that utilizes multiple tight end sets. He has room to grow as a blocker, but his athletic profile provides an intriguing floor to make an impact early in his career.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Exposures: UCLA (2023), Washington (2023)
