The Indianapolis Colts have a history of uncovering versatile talents, and their 2025 first-round pick, tight end Tyler Warren, looks to be the latest addition to that lineage. Taken with the 14th overall selection, Warren is only the second tight end the Colts have ever selected in the first round, signaling the franchise’s belief in his immense potential.
A Strong Start at Minicamp
Though he has yet to play a single NFL down, the early reviews from Colts’ mandatory minicamp are glowing. Head coach Shane Steichen couldn’t hold back his excitement when asked about Warren’s initial performances.
“He’s been phenomenal so far,” Steichen shared, emphasizing Warren’s ability to move seamlessly and his natural football instincts. “He’s got a great feel for the game, even without the pads on.”
A Unique Skill Set
At 6’6” and 250 pounds, Warren is an imposing figure with a rare combination of size, speed, and agility. These traits make him a nightmare matchup for defenders—too fast for linebackers and too big for safeties. His collegiate career at Penn State was marked by steady growth, culminating in a breakout senior season that saw him record over 800 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
More than just a pass-catcher, Warren prides himself on being a complete player. His blocking ability and willingness to take on physical assignments have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s elite tight ends.
The Role in Shane Steichen’s Offense
Under Steichen’s leadership, the Colts are expected to employ a dynamic offense that utilizes mismatches and flexibility—an ideal fit for a player of Warren’s versatility. Whether lining up in the slot, in-line, or even out wide, Warren has the tools to become a focal point of Indianapolis’ passing game.
His ability to stretch the field vertically could open up the playbook for quarterback Anthony Richardson, who thrives with big-bodied targets. The duo has already displayed promising chemistry in early workouts, a sign that Warren could quickly carve out a significant role.
Learning from the Best
Warren has the benefit of joining a Colts tight end room that includes veterans like Mo Alie-Cox, who can mentor the rookie on the nuances of playing in the NFL. Additionally, the presence of established playmakers such as Jonathan Taylor in the backfield and Michael Pittman Jr. on the perimeter means Warren won’t face undue pressure to be the focal point of the offense right away.
Lofty Expectations
The Colts are no strangers to having a tight end as the centerpiece of their offense—legendary players like Dallas Clark set a high bar for the position. While it’s early, Warren’s combination of physical tools and football IQ has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s top-tier talents.
Fans in Indianapolis are eager to see how Warren’s skill set translates when the pads come on during training camp. If his minicamp performance is any indication, the Colts may have landed a future star—a player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways and becoming their Swiss Army weapon on offense.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Tyler Warren to see if he can continue to justify the hype and help usher in a new era of success for the Colts.