The Indianapolis Colts selected Penn State tight end Tyler Warren in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 14th overall.
Warren put on a show with the Nittany Lions last season, catching a Big Ten-high 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. He won the John Mackey Award as the nation's most outstanding tight end.
The 22-year-old was viewed as one of the draft's top tight ends along with Colston Loveland, whom the Chicago Bears selected 10th overall.
"The last time I felt that good about a pick was Quenton (Nelson). It was easy," Colts general manager Chris Ballard said about Warren on Thursday, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder.
Warren will headline a Colts' TE depth chart featuring Drew Ogletree, Mo Alie-Cox, Jelani Woods, and Will Mallory. An Indianapolis tight end hasn't topped 500 receiving yards in a season since 2018.
Pre-draft profile
Warren is both a throwback and a new-school tight end. The Penn State star has the size, play strength, and demeanor to be an effective in-line blocker at the next level - now a rarity for tight ends coming out of college. The Nittany Lions used him all over the field, including as a wildcat quarterback, because of his unique athleticism. Warren is a big-play machine at receiver. His explosiveness challenges defenders vertically, he has great ball skills, and he's extremely tough after the catch. He's not especially quick in confined spaces, so creating separation at the top of routes could present a challenge against NFL defenders. But he compensates for it with success in contested-catch situations. Warren is a great fit for any offense, and he has immediate superstar potential at the next level.
