Tyler Warren | Penn State 6’5 ½” 256 lbs. 05/24/2002 (Age 22)
Tyler Warren was drafted 14th overall by the Indianapolis Colts, becoming the second tight end and 14th overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2020 (FR) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2021 (FR) | 13 | 5 | 62 | 12.2 | 1 |
| 2022 (SO) | 12 | 10 | 123 | 12.3 | 3 |
| 2023 (JR) | 13 | 34 | 422 | 12.4 | 7 |
| 2024 (SR) | 16 | 104 | 1,233 | 11.9 | 8 |
Warren entered Penn State’s football program after playing quarterback all throughout high school. He only saw time on the field in two games during the 2020 campaign, leading to a redshirt season. In 2021 and 2022, Warren served as a reserve, hauling in a combined 15 receptions for 185 yards and four touchdowns in 25 games played. He took the next step during his Junior season, earning Third-Team All-Big-Ten Conference as he tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions (7). Last season as a Senior, Warren broke a tight end school record with 1,233 receiving yards in a single season. His career 153 receptions, 1,839 receiving yards, and 19 receiving touchdowns are all Penn State tight end records. His 104 receptions last season were the second-most in FBS. Warren won the John Mackey Award (nation’s top tight end), earned Second-Team AP All-American, Big Ten Conference Tight End of the Year, First-Team All-Big-Ten, and finished as a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award (nation’s most versatile player). He also finished seventh in Heisman voting.
STRENGTHS
Exceptional IQ, which comes from playing quarterback in high school. Versatile weapon who can excel as a passer, rusher, or receiver for an offense. Soft, reliable hands, high-pointing the ball, and hauling in contested catches regularly. Elite spatial awareness against zone coverage, often finding soft spots and bailing his quarterback out as a reliable receiver. Dynamic after the catch, showing great hunger to earn extra yards. On tape, his burst and acceleration are eye-popping for a tight end. Red zone threat, who uses his athleticism and large frame to beat would-be defenders regularly. Shows great effort and strength as a run blocker.
WEAKNESSES
His route tree may be a bit limited at this point. Doesn’t separate with ease on seam routes against linebackers. Occasionally takes plays off as a route runner, which is noticed on tape more often than it should be. Although he shows a willingness to block, his technique and hand placement are messy too often. Lacks the motivation to extend blocks at the second level at times as well. Took him to his fifth season to finally break out and produce at a high level.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL Combine, Warren measured in at 6’5 ½” and 256 lbs, which equates to a BMI of 23.9. He neglected to participate in both the NFL Draft and the Penn State Pro Day. Warren finished his collegiate career with a 30.2 percent college dominator (90th percentile).
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average
Warren was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts add another pass-catcher, who could easily become the team’s top target. While Indy decides who to start at quarterback (Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones), Warren will join a tight end room that features mediocre talents in Mo Alie-Cox, Jelani Woods, Alec Ogletree, and Will Mallory. Although this is an ideal landing spot for Warren, the lack of arm talent at the quarterback position may alter his progression to start his career.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Warren received an early first-round grade from me before the draft, and I had him as the top-ranked tight end in this class ahead of Colston Loveland (went 10th overall to the Chicago Bears).
In your rookie drafts, Warren is an early-to-mid first-round pick at best because of the landing spot. He could slip to later in the first in SuperFlex league formats. The landing spot isn’t an exciting one, but he has shown that he can be a dynamic player at the next level. It may take a little more time to squeeze great value out of him, but he should be worth the wait.
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