NFL Draft Notebook: Tyler Warren is a true game changer, plus top 5 Bowl performances

As the college football playoffs heat up, one of the most versatile and impactful players still in the mix is Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. Known for his ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game, Warren has established himself as a critical weapon for the Nittany Lions. In this week’s edition of NFL Draft Notebook (NDN), we examine what makes Warren one of the most dangerous targets in college football and project where he might land in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This Monday’s NDN also highlights five standout performances from bowl season, including a quarterback quietly climbing draft boards and another whose value may be overestimated. Additionally, we break down key draft developments, such as a breakout tight end declaring for the draft, analyze a potential second-round safety standout, and spotlight a reliable kicker who could make waves in the late rounds.

Tyler Warren scouting report

Tyler Warren, one of the most versatile tight ends in college football history, has established himself as an indispensable playmaker for Penn State’s Nittany Lions. This season, Warren has been utilized in a variety of roles, including tight end, running back, and even quarterback. His versatility has translated into record-breaking production, setting Penn State tight end records with 98 receptions for 1,158 yards in a single season. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he also contributed four rushing touchdowns.

Warren’s output this season far surpassed Penn State’s expectations, even after a strong 2023 campaign in which he tied for the Big Ten lead with seven touchdown receptions. During that year, he split time with Theo Johnson, a fourth-round NFL Draft pick by the New York Giants who now leads all Giants tight ends in receptions.

The standout trait for Warren, the 2024 John Mackey Award winner, is his exceptional receiving ability. His quickness allows him to consistently create separation from defenders, making him a reliable target. He also does a terrific job of catching the ball in traffic according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Warren caught 13 of 21 contested targets this season, ranking third among FBS tight ends in contested catches.

Adding to his appeal is his NFL-ready size. At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, Warren boasts a tremendous catch radius, creating mismatches for linebackers and safeties in coverage. His size and skill set have made him a dominant red-zone threat, leading the Big Ten in touchdown receptions for two consecutive seasons. His eight touchdowns this year are the most by any Power Four tight end.

Warren’s character and leadership are also major assets. Coaches have praised his work ethic, and he is regarded as one of the Nittany Lions' team leaders. He was honored with the Bob Mitinger Memorial Award for exemplifying teamwork and dedication, qualities that suggest he has the mentality to reach his full potential in the NFL.

"I've always been drawn to Warren because I love those guys who come in, take care of their business and do everything they need to do to take care of their bodies. You don't necessarily hear them all the time. But you do feel them and you do feel their presence. Consistency is just one of the biggest qualities that I value of all these guys. I mean, he's unbelievably consistent. I'm just drawn to that."

Penn State S&C coach Chuck Losey

Despite his strengths, there are areas where Warren can improve, particularly as a run blocker. His technique needs refinement, as he occasionally falls off blocks due to improper positioning and failing to drive his feet through the play. This weakness contributed to a modest 52.3 run-blocking grade from PFF.

Warren’s history of dropped passes is another potential concern for scouts. In 2023, he struggled with consistency, dropping six passes—15% of his targets. However, he made significant strides in 2024, reducing his drop rate to just 3%. To solidify his standing as a reliable NFL prospect, he will need to demonstrate that these improvements are sustainable at the next level.

Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, Warren is projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick. NFL Draft Notebook recently ranked him as the 25th-best prospect in the class, and he is in a tight race with Michigan’s Colston Loveland for the title of top tight end in the draft. Potential landing spots for Warren include the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts, both of whom could benefit from his skill set and upside.

Top five NFL Draft prospect bowl performances 

1. Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. delivered the standout bowl performance among non-playoff games this season in the 68 Ventures Bowl. Fannin tied the NCAA single-game record for a tight end with 17 receptions, amassing 213 yards. His historic day also propelled him to set single-season records for a tight end: 117 receptions and 1,555 receiving yards.

2. Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse

Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord significantly boosted his draft stock this season, climbing from an undrafted free-agent projection to a mid-round grade. McCord shattered the ACC single-season passing record with 4,779 yards and capped his year with a stellar performance in the Holiday Bowl, throwing for 453 yards and five touchdowns against Washington State.

3. Giles Jackson, WR, Washington

Washington wide receiver Giles Jackson had a career-best outing in his team's bowl game, posting 11 receptions for 161 yards and four touchdowns—one more than his total for the rest of the season combined. Jackson showcased his deep-threat ability with three touchdowns of 30-plus yards. His performance could earn him late-round consideration in the 2025 NFL Draft.

4. Rahjai Harris, RB, East Carolina

East Carolina's Rahjai Harris ended the season on a high note, showcasing his potential as a dynamic running back. After managing only two 100-yard games over the previous year and a half, Harris rushed for at least 114 yards in four of his final six contests. His season culminated in a standout performance at the Military Bowl, where he racked up 220 yards on just 17 carries. The highlight of the game—and perhaps his career—came with 1:47 left, as he sealed the Pirates' victory over North Carolina State with an electrifying 86-yard touchdown run. While Harris may go undrafted, his late-season surge should earn him a shot as an undrafted free agent, where he could provide value to an NFL team looking for backfield depth.

5. Lamareon James, CB, TCU

TCU cornerback Lamareon James delivered a standout defensive performance in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl, not allowing a single reception on four targets. His lockdown coverage earned him an impressive 82.6 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. James’ stellar bowl game capped off a strong season following his transfer to TCU from Old Dominion last offseason.

NFL Draft news and notes

Tight End #3: Miami's Elijah Arroyo recently declared for the 2025 NFL Draft following a breakout season. Arroyo hauled in 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns, a significant leap after managing just 11 catches across his previous three seasons. His production, combined with his speed, athleticism, and reliable hands, positions him as the likely third tight end selected, trailing only Michigan's Colston Loveland and Penn State's Tyler Warren. A potential day-two fit for Arroyo could be the Washington Commanders, who may look to address the position with both Zach Ertz and John Bates set to hit free agency.

The next Anthony Richardson: One thing is becoming increasingly evident when watching Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, and that is he is nowhere near an NFL-caliber passer. This was painfully clear in Alabama's loss to Michigan, where Milroe struggled to go through his reads, consistently deliver an accurate ball, and displayed questionable pocket awareness, as noted by Blair Quarterback Academy. Milroe’s physical traits resemble those of former Florida quarterback and current Colts player Anthony Richardson—both are impressive athletes but fail to demonstrate the traditional passing skills required for success in an NFL offense. As Indianapolis fans can attest, Richardson's struggles have been frustrating, and Milroe shows many of the same red flags. If any team decides to take Milroe in the top five, as some mock drafts predict, or even in the first two rounds, they could very well come to regret that selection.

2nd round safety: A team seeking a free safety in the second round should give serious consideration to Alabama’s Malachi Moore, a second-team All-American this year. Moore stands out for his exceptional coverage skills, boasting elite speed and the range to patrol sideline to sideline. His quickness also allows him to effectively match up with slot receivers in man-to-man coverage. Additionally, he is a reliable tackler, having missed just 7% of his attempts this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Sleeper of the week: One of the more underrated safeties in the 2025 NFL Draft is Pittsburgh’s Donovan McMillon. McMillon’s top trait is his nose for the ball, and he is the first Panther since 2008 to record back-to-back 100-tackle seasons. He also has ideal size for an NFL strong safety, coming in at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, with good agility for a player that size. At the bare minimum, look for McMillon to carve out a role on special teams in the NFL. He should also be a reliable strong safety backup, which is why he carries a sixth-round draft grade.

Mr. Consistency: Andres Borregales, Miami's standout kicker, has solidified himself as one of the most reliable specialists in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Over his collegiate career, Borregales connected on 86% of his field goal attempts, showcasing remarkable accuracy and consistency. His high level of performance has been recognized with Pro Football Focus awarding him grades above 90 in each of the past three seasons. In his final season, Borregales reached new heights, hitting 95% of his field goal attempts, including an impressive seven of eight from 40 yards or more. His leg strength was equally notable, as he drilled a career-long 56-yarder and sent 65 kickoffs for touchbacks. Look for teams to strongly consider drafting him in the late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.