OTAs are beginning for NFL teams which means that the regular season is right around the corner.
These organized team activities mark the first time that rookies get to have structured practice with their new teammates and current players get a chance to show their improvement from last year.
The Indianapolis Colts are one of these teams currently holding OTAs and the most prominent story around the team is the quarterback battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.
People are dying to know who will start for the team, but one of their rookies is quietly turning heads in the shadows.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws the ball during pregame warm-up Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, ahead of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws the ball during pregame warm-up Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, ahead of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
© Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Colts selected Tyler Warren with the No. 14 pick in this year’s draft, reviving a position that has been dead there for over a decade.
The Penn State tight end had a historic season in college last year and is primed to have an equal impact at the NFL Level.
As Indianapolis wrapped up their first day of team activities on Wednesday, Warren was said to have made an indelible impact on the team already.
Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan said, “Wednesday was a very active day for rookie tight end Tyler Warren. No matter the quarterback, Warren was a frequent target of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, mainly during 7-on-7 sessions.”
This is promising news for Colts fans and the organization itself as they were hoping the star rookie would be an explosive and reliable target for either of their potential starters.
This also bodes well for the team because if Richardson wins the starting job like they hope, there seems to be a genuine connection with Warren already.
There is still over three months until the regular season starts, so there is plenty of time for both quarterbacks to impress or dig their grave as the backup.
Until then, Warren’s success in these practices will be a great indicator of how they are performing.