The Indianapolis Colts drafted former Penn State football tight end Tyler Warren No. 14 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and to no one's surprise given their lackluster passing production in past seasons.
With the addition of the former Nittany Lion, there's a lot skill and versatility that's already standing out as good fits for the Indianapolis offense. After the Colts' OTAs and minicamp in the offseason, he was a stand out player that was hard not to keep eyes on.
On an episode of Colts Film Breakdown, according to Indianapolis Colts on SI, former Colts tight end Jack Doyle noted how well-rounded Warren is as a player.
Now the former Nittany Lion is stepping into Doyle's shoes — in fact, the same jersey number — and the similarities in their game is just what Indianapolis needs for offensive production.
"[Warren] is just a stud . . . An all-around tight end, right; and obviously I'm biased to the tight end position, but the willingness to block, his body control, his balance, his run after catch," Doyle said on the podcast. ". . . I think it's going to be a good thing for the Colts."
Warren hasn't locked up the starting tight end position just yet. Being a complete offensive weapon while also maintaining business at the line of scrimmage, though, will likely get Warren time on the field as a rookie at the bare minimum.
He'll be a difficult battle for any opponent's defense. His unpredictability will allow the Colts to get an edge on their opponent. Warren will definitely be a tool in the passing game, looking to improve Indianapolis' tight end receptions in 2025-26. Reflecting on OTAs, Stephen Holder wrote for ESPN:
"It was practically impossible to watch an Indianapolis practice and not notice how often Warren touched the football. Any doubts about him having a notable role were erased in the first week of OTAs, when he could be seen running drag routes or matching up with linebackers in the middle of the field."
According to ESPN, quarterback Daniel Jones was impressed with the rookie's performance. Jones said that Warren can make a lot of plays for the Colts, whether he's the one catching the ball or not, and has a high IQ to navigate the field quickly.
Warren set the record among Penn State tight ends in history for most touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and 100-yard games. He had 153 NCAA career receptions for 1,839 yards and 19 receiving touchdowns. Warren also had 32 carries for 224 yards and six touchdowns on the ground in college. After the 2024-25 season, he won the John Mackey Award and finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting.
The Colts' first game of the NFL preseason is Aug. 7 at the Ravens at 7 p.m. and they'll open up the regular season at home against the Dolphins on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m.
