At 14th overall, the Indianapolis Colts landed Penn State’s Tyler Warren. Let’s break down the selection.

At 14th overall, the Indianapolis Colts landed Penn State’s Tyler Warren, who was largely considered the top tight end in this year’s NFL draft.

Let’s break down the selection.

Tyler Warren’s profile

Warren will finally give the Colts’ that much-needed passing game presence at the tight end position. He was not only among the most productive pass-catchers last season at the tight end position, but overall as well. Warren finished 2024 with over 100 receptions and over 1,200 yards as the overwhelming focal point of the Penn State offense.

As GM Chris Ballard has described, Warren will give the Colts a major threat over the middle of the field and he’s someone who always seems to be open with his size and reliable pass-catching abilities.

However, Warren’s impact won’t stop there. He also brings a versatile skill set to the offense, able to line up across the formation, including out of the backfield, is a sound run-blocker, and brings a level of “toughness” to the offense, as Shane Steichen said.

When an offense has a well-rounded skill set like Warren’s at tight end, it adds a level of unpredictability with that player able to wear so many hats. Warren filled a variety of roles at Penn State and will presumably do the same for the Colts.

Tyler Warren’s scouting report

NFL.com

Lance Zierlein: “The ultimate “whatever, whenever” player in the 2025 draft with the size, athleticism and competitive spirit to make good on his intentions. Warren plays with swagger and “best player on the field” energy. He imprints on games with alignment versatility, allowing opportunities for play-callers to stress the defense. Despite his size, he’s quick enough to beat man coverage underneath and plays with good recognition of holes in coverage. He has the ball skills and toughness to win contested catches and withstand punishing contact. He’s very capable as a lead/move blocker but will need a little improvement at sustaining blocks when blocking in-line. Warren can access all three levels of the field but is best served short and intermediate. He possesses elite football character and plays with a confidence that can be contagious. He has a chance to become one of the best tight ends in the league.”

They said it

Chad Henry, area scout: “He’s highly intelligent,” Henry said via the Indy Star. “To use him the way that they used him, in all the different spots, you could see the former quarterback in him. When he came into our room at the Combine, he sounded like a coach.

“You guys know I’m big with my nicknames. My nickname for him would be ‘Truck,’ because he’s big, strong, reliable, and he’s a guy that trucks the defenders.

“This is a big man now. We have a hard time, anymore, finding guys that size (at tight end), because you’re looking at a bunch of 230-pound guys that are basically an extra receiver. This guy happens to be an extra receiver who can knock the crap out of people, both on the line of scrimmage and in space.”

Tyler Warren’s athletic profile