INDIANAPOLIS — A sly smile creeps across Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen‘s face when asked about the play design leading to a chunk play for rookie tight end Tyler Warren against the Denver Broncos.

“That little insert deal, that was pretty cool,” Steichen said.

It’s the type of play that seems simple, but defensive coordinators and fellow film junkies will tip their caps to Steichen for the subtle nuance and creativity that went into designing the play.

It starts with Warren shifting from tight end into the backfield at fullback to the right of quarterback Daniel Jones with running back Jonathan Taylor in the pistol behind the quarterback. At the snap, Jones fakes a handoff to Taylor, who leaks out into the left flat. As Taylor goes to the flat, receivers A.D. Mitchell and Micheal Pittman Jr. run deep, Mitchell down the seam, Pittman down the left sideline. Warren sprints through the Colts offensive line, simulating a block before getting behind the Denver linebackers. Mo Allie-Cox releasing at about 10 yards and Taylor’s route to the flat held the Denver linebackers, and Pittman and Mitchell ran off the defensive backs, allowing Warren to slip in behind the ‘backers, getting wide open for a 22-yard completion.

Fullback is a dying position in the NFL. Fullbacks who can catch passes are also becoming a thing of the past. Warren’s ability to line up at multiple positions on offense makes him a rare weapon in today’s game.

“He has the skill set to (produce at all three levels of the defense),” Steichen said. “We have to continue to do that. … He’s a hell of a football player, natural feel for the game. Toughness, gritty, can put him in different positions, different spots, trying to get the matchups that you want with him, along with the rest of the guys.”

The 6-foot-5, 256-pounder with a 4.68 40-yard dash is much more than a traditional fullback, but his experience as a ballcarrier must be accounted for. Warren excelled as a wildcat quarterback at Penn State, rushing for 218 yards and four touchdowns his final season with the Nittany Lions. He was the only ballcarrier other than Taylor and Jones to record a rush against Denver, and his blocking ability is an added boost to the run game.

Through two games, the No. 14 overall pick is living up the label of “Swiss Army Knife” earned at Penn State, for his ability to do everything on the football field. Warren said lining up at different positions forces defenders to communicate on the fly, which leads to breakdowns in coverage.

“Being able to move to different spots, the more (the defense) has to adjust to something it will help out either me or the entire offense,” Warren said.

Warren is quickly emerging as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Through two weeks he ranks first among tight ends in yards (155), yards after catch (92), contested catches (three) and he has zero drops per PFF. His ability to create mismatches should serve him well against the Tennessee Titans. Warren missed Wednesday’s practice due to a toe injury.

In a Week 1 loss to Denver, the Titans allowed six catches for 36 yards to Broncos tight ends and fullbacks. Last week against the Rams, tight ends Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen combined for five catches for 45 yards and a score. Outside receivers have also excelled against the Titans with Courtland Sutton and Davante Adams each recorded at least six catches and a touchdown.

Tenneessse allowed 10 different Broncos to make a catch. Spreading the ball around is a smart way to attack its defense, but Warren is a rare tight end who can serve as a focal point of a passing attack. He’s also a do-everything weapon willing to do whatever the team asks.

Steichen’s done well in scheming open his rookie tight end. If the matchup isn’t the best, Steichen said they trust Warren to make the tough play when his number is called.

“Creating those matchups and different looks you’ll see on film to get those matchups, do you get them everytime? No you don’t,” Steichen said. “But even when you don’t get the right looks we have a lot of confidence in his ability to win on certain things.”

Joel A. Erickson covers the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.