Colts draft TE Tyler Warren - Round 1, Pick 14

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Below is The Ringer's write-up on Warren. They ranked him as the 8th best prospect in this draft.

https://nfldraft.theringer.com/

Warren’s versatility will be the attribute NFL teams covet most. You can line him up anywhere: He has elite ball skills, is difficult to tackle, and is an unbelievably gifted athlete for his size. He’s an immediate No. 1 tight end and high-level contributor in the passing game with room to grow as a blocker. He’s tall and extremely well-proportioned with an impressive balance of strength between his upper and lower body. He comes from an athletic family, and Penn State associate offensive line coach Frank Leonard raves about his work ethic. He appeared in 56 games at Penn State, starting 31 and finishing with 1,839 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns to go along with 32 carries for 224 yards and six rushing touchdowns. —The McShay Report


Warren is tall, with a rugged, well-built frame. A former high school quarterback, he’s a do-everything utility man for the Nittany Lions, lining up all over the formation to run routes, carry the football, and even throw some passes. He finished with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, 26 rushes for 218 yards and four touchdowns, and three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown. On a trick play against USC, he snapped the ball and then ran downfield to leap up and catch a touchdown on a double throw. Warren is an excellent athlete who chews up ground as a route runner, snaps off routes to separate, and excels when running after the catch (in 2024 he tallied 693 yards after the catch and 19 missed tackles forced, per PFF, both second most in the FBS). He’s frequently used on screens where his tackle-breaking talent can be put to good use. He’s a ball-winner in contested catch situations, often going through contact to come down with the pass. He has reliable hands, with just three total drops in 2024, per PFF. Warren likes to mix it up as a blocker and puts in effort there. He can come in a little too hot when blocking in space and get thrown off his target, though, and could improve at sustaining blocks in the run game.

WHY HE COULD RISE
Warren is a big, fluid athlete who can do a little bit of everything for an offense; he’s a reliable big-play receiver who makes hay after the catch and wins 50-50 balls.

WHY HE COULD FALL
He rumbles in the open field but lacks elite speed; he’s a work in progress as a blocker.