The Colts come away with one of the most complete tight end prospects to come out in recent memory in this one.
According to PFF, the Indianapolis Colts will select top tight end prospect Tyler Warren out of Penn State with the 14th overall pick the 2025 NFL Draft in their latest mock draft:
14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
Next year seems pivotal for Anthony Richardson to show he can be the Colts’ long-term answer at quarterback. It only makes sense to provide him with as many weapons as possible to get a definitive answer.
Warren was easily the best Power Four tight end this past season, as the John Mackey Award winner led the position in PFF overall grade (91.2), receiving yards (1,230), receiving touchdowns (eight) and yards after the catch (693).
“During a monstrous senior season for the Nittany Lions, the listed 6’6,” 261 pound tight end recorded 104 receptions for 1,233 receiving yards (11.9 ypr. avg.) and 8 touchdown receptions in 16 starts—earning the John Mackey Award, as well as First-Team All-American, Big Ten Tight of the Year, and First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 respectively.”
The prized tight end was also recently projected to the Colts with the 14th overall pick by longtime ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
There’s no question in my mind that Warren would be an absolute home run pick for the Colts near midway through the first round, given that they’ve gotten next to nothing at the position as of late, and he’s the most complete tight end prospect to come out in recent memory (with both major, major receiving and blocking chops collectively).
The success of the franchise ultimately rests with 3rd-year quarterback Anthony Richardson’s continued growth and development, so why not provide him with a dynamic playmaker over the middle of the field—and one of the top offensive weapons in the class?
The real issue right now I have is that with reigning NFL First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler Brock Bowers’ success with the Las Vegas Raiders as a rookie last year, I’m starting to wonder if Warren will even be there at #14th overall for the Colts—and they may very well have to trade up at least a few spots (if not more) to safely secure him.
Per NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, Warren’s currently ranked as his 5th best prospect overall in the 2025 NFL Draft class—meaning he shouldn’t lack suitors within the Top 10 picks, with the Colts presumably being on the outside looking in—and having to trade up.
“Warren is a massive tight end who carried the Penn State offense this past season. He lined up in-line, in the slot and as a Wildcat quarterback. 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.”
