The Indianapolis Colts had to be kicking themselves last year after missing out on a big positional need in tight end Brock Bowers by two picks. Now, they can finally stop kicking, as they’ve addressed the tight end position that has struggled to produce since Jack Doyle’s retirement following the 2021 NFL season.
Colts Fill Major Hole at Tight End With Tyler Warren
The Colts selected Penn State tight end and 2024 John Mackey Award winner Tyler Warren with the No. 14 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
After seeing the production the Las Vegas Raiders got out of Bowers last season, Colts general manager Chris Ballard and company couldn’t let another playmaker at the tight end position slip through their fingers — and they’ve hit on Warren. The 22-year-old, 6-foot-5, 256-pound target will immediately upgrade Indianapolis’ offense for whoever is under center.
Warren finished his final season in State College with 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He was dynamic enough that he also had 26 carries for 218 yards and four rushing touchdowns, ultimately finishing his collegiate career with 25 total touchdowns — 19 receiving and six on the ground.
PFSN’s Reese Decker highlights how dynamic Warren has been throughout his athletic career. Decker writes, “His athleticism extended beyond football, as he was also a three-time All-Region basketball player and a Virginia All-State baseball selection.”
Decker notes Warren’s basketball background among his strengths.
“The basketball player in him shows. He has no problem climbing the ladder and playing above the rim. Absolute monster.”
The words Decker uses to describe Warren — “elite,” “gritty,” “unselfish,” “powerful,” and “jack of all trades” — speak for themselves.
Warren was a can’t-miss prospect for the Colts, which has to excite the quarterback room. He should also take some pressure off No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman Jr., opening up more options in the passing game.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor may also be grinning, considering that Warren’s blocking ability is well-regarded, which will help keep Indianapolis’ offense balanced.
Decker highlights only three weaknesses in Warren’s game: “top-end speed,” “some concentration drops,” and “lateral quickness and explosion in and out of breaks to create separation.”
While speed isn’t a necessity at tight end, tight ends coach Tom Manning can certainly help refine the rest to mold Warren into a near-complete player.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen has to be excited to have this Penn State product as part of his offense, giving whoever the starter is (Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones) a potential future star to rely on for years to come.
