Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren leads an impressive group of tight end prospects entering the 2025 NFL Draft. With his combination of size and playmaking skills at the position, the 2024 John Mackey Award winner projects to be the next great tight end to enter the NFL.
Whether you look at him and see a baby Rob Gronkowski or a Travis Kelce type receiver, there is no denying Warren has the skillset to be great and any team drafting high in the first round in need of a tight end will be highly criticized not to call Warren’s name come draft night.
At 6-foot-6, 257 pounds, Warren is a dynamic tight end who is great after the catch. His physicality and catch radius make him a dangerous seam runner who rams his way through defenders for extra yards. In 2024, he caught 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and 8 touchdowns highlighting his ability as a gamebreaker on the offensive side of the ball.
2025 NFL Draft: Tyler Warren is a defensive nightmare
In spotlighting just how impactful Warren was in 2024, NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Warren in his top 5 of his top 50 2025 NFL prospects list and it is hard to argue given the type of weapon he was in Penn State’s offense. He does have versatility for his size and is a tight end who can line up in-line or in the slot. Depending on the offense, he could also line up outside as a receiver like Gronkowski did during his time in the NFL.
Jeremiah writes:
“His production is the result of his size, catch radius and tenacity. He doesn’t generate a lot of separation as a route runner, but he walls off defenders when on the move. Defenders simply can’t get through his body to make plays on the ball. He can track the ball over his shoulder, and he can high-point the ball when needed. He isn’t a nifty option-route type of player. After the catch, defenders bounce off him or go along for a ride as he drags them for extra yardage. As a Wildcat quarterback, he creates space with his power and leg drive. He's effective in the run game and looks to finish when possible. Overall, he isn’t as dynamic as Rob Gronkowski was during his career, but Warren is a similar player in a lot of ways.”
More on Tyler Warren:
3 interesting NFL fits for Tyler Warren
A former QB with high football awareness, Warren is a tremendous athlete who will bring natural leadership to any offense. With his reliable hands and prototypical size for a tight end, Warren is a dangerous weapon in the seam and a nightmare in the red zone. In all a QB’s dream and a player who should excel Year 1. Here are 3 teams who are primed to select Warren in 2025 NFL Draft.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton’s offense could use a seam runner like Tyler Warren. In an offensive strategy that features quick and short passes, giving Bo Nix another target who can create after the catch will make the Broncos offense that much more dangerous in 2025. Warren may not be there when the Broncos select at No. 20, but if he does slide, he won’t get past Denver. A no-brainer picks for Payton and company.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are a team that typically features a pass-catching tight end. They haven’t had an impactful one since the days of Dallas Clark. Speaking of Clark, Warren would bring similar versatility to the Colts offense with his ability to line up inseam or as a receiver. He also can line up as a H-Back. Perfect for the Colts at No. 14.
New York Jets: There’s been some chatter about the Jets having interest in Warren. That would make him a top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could be a bit high. The Jets have a major question mark at quarterback, but whether they fill that void with a veteran in free agency or go with a first year QB, a target like Warren would help the offense move the chains. The Jets are the most unlikely of the 3 teams given their other needs, but a big pass-catching threat like Warren does offer a lot of intrigue in New York.