It's been about one month since the Indianapolis Colts held rookie minicamp, and tight end Tyler Warren was first introduced to the offensive system.
Some teams hold their rookie minicamp that first weekend after the NFL draft in early May, and the rookies then break for a week or so before returning for offseason programs. The Colts, however, didn't hold their rookie minicamp until May 9th, and after that weekend, they immediately began offseason programs with the veterans.
That approach, as Warren described on the first day of minicamp on Tuesday, has been very beneficial in his growth and understanding of the offense.
"I think it's a lot better being here a few weeks in a row, being able to stack the days on top and keep learning, so it's not learning something new and going out that day, it's repeat stuff now," Warren said. "So it's a lot more comfortable than when we first got here and thrown into the fire."
Not surprisingly, in the first OTA practice that was open to the media, Warren was "very active" in the passing game, regardless of who the quarterback was.
Given the Colts' lack of production from the tight end position over the last several years, Warren's ability to impact that facet of the game will garner the attention. But his versatility and willingness as a run blocker will allow him to impact the game in a variety of ways and will add a level of unpredictability to the offense because he can fill so many roles.
At this stage of the offseason, when the pads aren't on and installs are still taking place, that do-it-all presence that Warren brings won't truly be felt until we get deeper into training camp and eventually the preseason.
Like any rookie, while Warren's impact in this offense can be quick, there is still a learning curve he is navigating as a first-year player, and with that come mistakes. The key, however, is making sure not to make the same mistake twice.
"I think not doing the same one twice is honestly the biggest thing," Warren said. "I'm going to make mistakes naturally as a rookie with it being my first year here, but when I do make mistakes, learn from it and grow from them and not let them happen two or three times."
