The Denver Broncos hit the jackpot in the 2024 NFL Draft with the selection of Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick. To keep the team trending upwards, the challenge ahead for Sean Payton is to put the players around Nix to make him even better in Year 2.
Could one of those players be one of the top tight ends entering the 2025 NFL Draft?
There will be some talented offensive playmakers in the draft who could make the Broncos offense even more dynamic in 2025. At the tight end position two players come to mind when thinking of players who could come in and become big, athletic targets for Nix. Michigan’s Colston Loveland and Penn State’s Tyler Warren are both prototypical pass-catching tight ends who could flourish in Payton’s scheme.
Which tight end is the better fit might be the talk around the Broncos heading up to the NFL Draft.
If they do get into the playoffs and depending how far they go, a big weapon at tight end might be what the Broncos need to make them a threat to take the AFC West from the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025.
2025 NFL Mock Draft: CBS has Tyler Warren as the man for Denver
When it comes to stats and explosive plays, it is Warren who has been the best tight end in college football this season. In his latest mock draft, CBS writer Ryan Wilson sees the Penn State star as the prime target for the Broncos both in the draft and on the field.
Wilson writes:
“Tyler Warren has accounted for roughly 75% of Penn State's offense (we're ballparking that, don't quote us) as a receiver, passer and runner. No player has done more for his draft stock than Warren, who was a late Day 2/Day 3 pick over the summer.”
The 2024 John Mackey-award winner wouldn’t have to account for that high of a percentage of the offense in Denver, but his versatility as highlight by Wilson would make him a big-time threat wherever he lines up on the field. Payton, who has a knack for utilizing versatile players on offense would be like a kid in the candy store with the possibility of Nix getting the ball to a player like Warren.
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With 88 receptions for 1,062 yards and 10 touchdowns, the 6-foot-6, 261-pround tight end can and will win jump balls with his physical power and athleticism. He also can outrun defenses with his burst after the catch. That would make him an instant threat and mismatch in the quick passing game Payton loves. As far as the ultimate weapon for Nix, Warren’s ability to out physical defenders with his power and size makes him a prime outlet when the pocket breaks down.
As far as weaknesses, for a team that loves to run the ball, Warren will need to improve on his run blocking while at the same time improving on his route running. That is where Loveland holds the edge. But, if he does improve I those areas, he could end up being the best tight end in the draft and another jackpot draft prize for Payton and the Broncos.
This selection would be a no-brainer and make the Broncos offense that much more dynamic.