Tyler Warren showed just way he was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft with a strong rookie debut in the Indianapolis Colts’ 33-8 beat down of the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
In what was an emotional day as the team honored the late Jim Irsay into the Ring of Honor, the Colts saw their rookie tight end show all the things he did at Penn State and throughout training camp. In a strong debut, Warren had seven receptions for 76 yards while embracing the physicality and athleticism that had him as the top tight end prospect entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
Old school flare
With former first round pick Daniel Jones looking like a first-round quarterback, Warren was just part of the Colts overall dominance in the game as they scored on every possession. In averaging 10.9 yards per reception, Warren not only provided Jones with a big target, but he also brought some of that vintage tight end persona to the field. The overall performance had head coach Shane Steichen pumped up after the game.
“He was impressive,” Steichen said, via the team’s official website. “He’s an old-school throwback, a freaking baller is what he is.”
That was evident in the first catch of his NFL career:
1st of many for the rook.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 7, 2025
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/yFT20p3D2V
Longtime Colts fans will see a lot of Dallas Clark in Warren as he even lined up at fullback. It is that versatility that made Warren a sure bet first round pick and an instant frontrunner for NFL Offensive Player of the Year, especially if he can keep making Jones look like the next quarterback to have a revival in the NFL. The Duke product could only marvel over what the Penn State product brings to the field.
“He’s a dangerous guy with the ball in his hands,” Jones said. “He’s going to make extra yards, he’s physical, he’s going to go up and make the tough catch…he does a lot for us.”
If the Colts can continue to have a balanced attack offensively, Warren will just be that much more important and impactful in the offense. In showing his is very much the dangerous target he was with the Nittany Lions, the Colts rookie has the franchise energized and looks to be the next great tight end to enter the NFL just a year after Las Vegas Raiders second-year tight end Brock Bowers took the league by storm.