Could Tyler Warren become the Indianapolis Colts’ next great tight end? The former Penn State star was drafted 14th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. That means he hasn’t even played an NFL game yet. So he could wind up being a bust. But then again, he could develop into the superstar he’s expected to be. Tarringo Basile-Vaughan of NFL Mocks.com wrote about Warren becoming the Colts’ next great tight end:
“It’s way too early to crown Tyler Warren the next great Indianapolis Colts tight end, but the writing is on the wall for the 2024 John Mackey award-winner to be just that. With Rob Gronkowski-type size and athleticism, Warren is a versatile tight end who is coming off a season in which he caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards with 12 touchdowns. It was a breakout season for the former Nittany Lions star, who just a year prior caught just 34 passes. And now, going from the classic Penn State uniform to the Colts classic uniform, Warren will quickly have an opportunity to become the guy at tight end for Indy and etch his name among some of the greats who also wore a Colts uniform.”
Tyler Warren Could Become the Colts’ Next Great Tight End
Tyler Warren
Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) runs passed Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Donovan Hinish (41) in the first half in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
His Career Thus Far
Tyler Warren attended Atlee High School in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He played football, basketball, and baseball. Warren, the school’s starting quarterback, passed for 1,149 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior. He also rushed for 677 yards and 10 touchdowns. Initially committing to play at Virginia Tech, he ultimately chose Penn State.
Warren only recorded 49 receptions during his first four years with the Nittany Lions. However, he broke out in 2024, emerging as one of the best tight ends in the country. The Virginia native caught over passes for 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. Warren also had 197 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. As a result, he won the John Mackey Award and was named Big Ten Tight End of the Year.
What to expect from Warren
Tyler Warren could have the type of rookie season that Brock Bowers had last year. In 2024, Bowers caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. The Las Vegas Raiders tight end finished second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Bowers was named a First-Team All-Pro. That’s not bad at all for a rookie. Warren could accomplish that as well.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has had a disappointing career so far, especially when it comes to throwing the football. The former Florida Gator completed just 47.7 percent of his passes last season. If Richardson beats out Daniel Jones for the starting job, he’ll need all the help he can get. Tyler Warren, who has the potential to be an elite playmaker, could wind up saving Richardson’s career.
Warren could become Indy’s best tight end since Dallas Clark. Clark, the 2003 first-round pick, spent nine seasons with the franchise and is a Colts legend. He helped the team win a Super Bowl during the 2006 season and was named an All-Pro in 2009.
It may be premature to label Warren the next Dallas Clark. But it could happen.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports