Tanner McLachlan, a Lethbridge born football player who played for the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, has been drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2024 NFL Draft. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge football player Tanner McLachlan drafted by Cincinnati Bengals

May 2, 2024 | 12:55 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A Lethbridge-born football player has made history.

On Sunday, April 28, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted Tanner McLachlan with the 194th overall pick in the 2024 National Football League (NFL) Draft. McLachlan grew up in the city and played for the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI) Rams football team.

The 6’5, 244-pound tight end is the first Lethbridge-born player to be drafted into the NFL, which he says is a huge honour and motivator.

After his career at LCI finished in 2017, McLachlan enrolled at Southern Utah University to play for the Thunderbirds football team. McLachlan played at the school from 2018 to 2021.

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However, McLachan was thrown some adversity in 2021 when he tore his ACL, and had surgery that June. McLachlan rebounded, rehabbing the injury and getting back on the field.

In 2022, McLachlan continued his football career, transferring to the University of Arizona and walking onto the football team. His time with the Wildcats turned out to be very successful, as he racked up 79 receptions for 1,152 yards and eight touchdowns over two seasons.

McLachlan’s 79 receptions set the school record for most receptions by a tight end, surpassing former NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski, who he said reached out to congratulate him after being drafted.

David Lowry, LCI’s defensive coordinator and a former coach of McLachlan’s, spoke on some of his strengths.

McLachlan joins a Bengals team who missed the playoffs last season, but had made it the two previous, including a trip to the Super Bowl in February of 2022. He said he is excited to join an exciting franchise like Cincinnati filled with star players on offense.

“I never expected to be living in Ohio but I’m excited. First thing that popped into my mind is ‘I’m going to be catching balls from Joe Burrow’ so I was ecstatic about that.”

He added that he will work hard to compete for a roster spot on the team right away, and he is flying out to Cincinnati next week to begin his time with the team.

LCI held a ceremony on Wednesday, May 1 to recognize Tanner and congratulate him on his achievement. At the event, they showed highlight reels from LCI and Arizona, and had signed photos for viewing. McLachlan spoke at the event, answering questions from the audience in the full gym.

Signed photos of McLachlan at LCI on May 1, 2024. (Photo: LNN)

A large crowd fills the LCI gym for the ceremony recognizing Tanner McLachlan on May 1, 2024. (Photo: LNN)

In addition to the Bengals, McLachlan was also taken by the Calgary Stampeders with the 51st overall pick in the Canadian Football League (CFL) draft on Tuesday, April 30.

McLachlan added that while his ultimate goal is to pursue his NFL career, he was still thrilled with his selection by the Stampeders.

The Lethbridge product gave some advice to the local young football players trying to pursue their dreams. He said, “Shoot for something that people would laugh at you for. Chase your dreams and take it as far as you can in any aspect of life. Just work your hardest and do the best you can.”

The Bengals begin their Rookie Football Development Programs for 2024 on May 13.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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