2024 NFL draft prospect rankings: Tight ends

— 10. Tanner McLachlan (Sr., Arizona, 6-5, 244)

After four years at Southern Utah, the Canadian walked on for the Wildcats (while rehabbing an ACL injury). In two seasons in Tucson, McLachlan earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors as a super senior and broke Rob Gronkowski's school record for career receptions by a tight end (79 to Gronk's 75). He has room to grow as a blocker, but his athleticism (he has a knack for hurdling defenders), ball skills and basketball background may foretell a promising NFL ceiling if teams look past his age (he turned 25 in March). Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: AJ Barner (Sr., Michigan, 6-6, 251)

Barner was a captain at Indiana before transferring to Ann Arbor. He has prototypical size for the position, but lacks the explosive athleticism to be a consistent threat as a receiver. He does have the ability to catch balls in traffic, and can be hard to bring down once he picks up steam. Barner is a technically sound blocker with the toughness and competitive nature teams seek. His ability to consistently get the dirty work done as a blocker in the run game and pass-protection will likely earn him a roster spot in the pros. Barner had the largest wingspan among all tight ends at the combine. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— BONUS: Tip Reiman (Sr., Illinois, 6-4, 271)

The former walk-on was a regular on kick and punt coverages all four seasons in Champaign and was elected captain his senior season. Reiman features outstanding size (he added 50-plus pounds in college). He's a physical, technically sound blocker in-line or out in space and as a pass-protector. As a receiver, 14 of his 19 receptions last season earned a first down or touchdown, but he'll earn his keep in the NFL paving the way for others to make plays. Projected: Rounds 4-6

— BONUS: Brevyn Spann-Ford (Sr., Minnesota, 6-6, 260)

The former three-star recruit struggled badly with drops (nine) this past season, but teams may be intrigued by the potential matchup issues he could create as a big slot target. Spann-Ford led the Gophers in receptions (42) in 2022. He's an aggressive blocker with impressive size and toughness for the position. There's no way he gets drafted based on his 2023 performance alone (it was that bad), but he was an ascending player the year before and he possesses enough premium physical traits (something coaches can't teach) to earn him an opportunity. Spann-Ford caught a two-yard TD pass from Bo Nix for the National Team in the Senior Bowl. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— BONUS: Colson Yankoff (Sr., UCLA, 6-3, 233)

The former four-star recruit at quarterback (and Elite 11 participant) committed to Washington before transferring to Westwood after redshirting his first year. Yankoff moved to wide receiver in 2020, then to running back in 2022. He's clearly a projection at tight end, but he showcased the necessary skills and tested well at the Bruins' pro day. If given an opportunity, he could become a special teams ace — Yankoff produced 10 tackles in 2023. Projected: PFA