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The first 13 picks really couldn't have played out any better for the Indianapolis Colts, who were able to land tight end Tyler Warren.
Not only was Warren considered the top tight end in this class by many, but he is a terrific fit for Shane Steichen's offense, two reasons why he was such a popular pick in mock drafts.
With the dust having settled a bit on this selection, let's get to know the newest member of the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts' entire tight end room totaled 467 receiving yards last season. The Colts haven't had a tight end eclipse 500 receiving yards in a season since 2018. But Warren can provide that needed boost.
Last season, he was among the most productive pass-catchers in college football, and not only at tight end but including receivers as well. Warren finished the 2024 season with 104 receptions and 1,230 yards, per PFF.
Of note, the majority of his targets came over the middle of the field, which is an area where GM Chris Ballard mentioned earlier in the week that the Colts needed a greater impact from this position. He was also often targeted on intermediate routes in the 10-19 yard range.
Warren's impact on the Colts' offense is going to be multiple. Along with his passing game presence, he's versatile as well and can be moved around the formation. According to PFF, Warren spent 33% of his snaps in-line, 47% in the slot, 14% out wide, and had 109 in the backfield as well.
In addition to that, he's a very strong run-blocker. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein would write that, "He’s very capable as a lead/move blocker," which is very important in Shane Steichen's offense.
When you add that pass-catching ability with the versatility and with the run-blocking presence, it adds a whole new dimension to the Colts' offense. There is some added unpredictability that this unit now has, which can create opportunities for Warren and his teammates as well.
Following a highly impressive 2024 season, Warren won the Mackey Award, which is given to the nation's top tight end. He was a first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten as well.
Warren also finished his Penn State career holding records at the tight end position for total touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards, and 100-yard games.
Here is a snippet of what The Athletic's Dane Brugler wrote in his scouting report:
"Overall, Warren still has developing to do as a route runner and blocker, but he is an agile-footed big man who naturally tracks the football with dependable hands and a hunger to create after the catch. He projects as a rookie NFL starter with traditional qualities, as well as the schematic versatility to be a multi-tool weapon for a play caller."
(This article was updated to provide additional information.)
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts pick Tyler Warren: 5 Things to know about 14th pick in draft
Continue reading...
Not only was Warren considered the top tight end in this class by many, but he is a terrific fit for Shane Steichen's offense, two reasons why he was such a popular pick in mock drafts.
With the dust having settled a bit on this selection, let's get to know the newest member of the Indianapolis Colts.
Tyler Warren will provide that passing game help
The Colts' entire tight end room totaled 467 receiving yards last season. The Colts haven't had a tight end eclipse 500 receiving yards in a season since 2018. But Warren can provide that needed boost.
Last season, he was among the most productive pass-catchers in college football, and not only at tight end but including receivers as well. Warren finished the 2024 season with 104 receptions and 1,230 yards, per PFF.
Of note, the majority of his targets came over the middle of the field, which is an area where GM Chris Ballard mentioned earlier in the week that the Colts needed a greater impact from this position. He was also often targeted on intermediate routes in the 10-19 yard range.
Warren has a well-rounded skill set
Warren's impact on the Colts' offense is going to be multiple. Along with his passing game presence, he's versatile as well and can be moved around the formation. According to PFF, Warren spent 33% of his snaps in-line, 47% in the slot, 14% out wide, and had 109 in the backfield as well.
In addition to that, he's a very strong run-blocker. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein would write that, "He’s very capable as a lead/move blocker," which is very important in Shane Steichen's offense.
When you add that pass-catching ability with the versatility and with the run-blocking presence, it adds a whole new dimension to the Colts' offense. There is some added unpredictability that this unit now has, which can create opportunities for Warren and his teammates as well.
A long list of accolades for Warren
Following a highly impressive 2024 season, Warren won the Mackey Award, which is given to the nation's top tight end. He was a first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten as well.
Warren also finished his Penn State career holding records at the tight end position for total touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards, and 100-yard games.
Tyler Warren scouting report
Here is a snippet of what The Athletic's Dane Brugler wrote in his scouting report:
"Overall, Warren still has developing to do as a route runner and blocker, but he is an agile-footed big man who naturally tracks the football with dependable hands and a hunger to create after the catch. He projects as a rookie NFL starter with traditional qualities, as well as the schematic versatility to be a multi-tool weapon for a play caller."
Tyler Warren's measurements
(This article was updated to provide additional information.)
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts pick Tyler Warren: 5 Things to know about 14th pick in draft
Continue reading...
