Tyler Warren has yet to take an official snap for the Indianapolis Colts, but already he is looking like a stud pick at 14th overall in this year’s NFL draft. The fact that Warren fell to 14th shocked many. The pre-draft rumors were that he could go as high as 5th, which is extremely high for the tight end position, but any player at any position who looks like a game changer is a justifiable pick at any spot. Produce at a high level and no one will ever care when a player was taken. Yes, it is still extremely early, but everything is coming up roses for the young man out of Penn State to start his professional career.
While it wasn’t the highest hurdle in the world, Warren is already tabbed as the number one tight end on the Colts depth chart. Understanding that tight end was one of, if not the, weakest units on the roster, Warren taking over isn’t unbelievable, but it is highly impressive and encouraging. Fans got a taste of what he can do in the first preseason game against the Ravens. Warren caught three passes for 40-yards and would have had more had a screen not been called back for holding. In short work, Warren showed he is ready for NFL action. Was it against Baltimore’s regular starters? No, but Warren looked comfortable and was finding plenty of open space to operate and move the chains.
Warren is the type of player teams dream about. Can a tight end alter a franchise? Maybe not like a quarterback can, but they can certainly make an impact. Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, and Tavis Kelce were all incredible threats and major parts of prolific offenses. Warren could be that for the Colts. Anthony Richardson already looks incredibly comfortable getting the ball where Warren can turn up field and pick up extra yards. Elite tight end play is something the Colts haven’t seen since Dallas Clark. Clark was an X-factor. Warren could be a bona fide star.
Yes, yes, yes. It’s understood that it is only preseason, and preseason studs can turn into regular season duds. There is still so much of Tyler Warren’s story to write, so ordaining him as the next Gates or putting him in the Hall of Fame is more than premature. With that said, it doesn’t appear he could look much better or be receiving more praise. The alternative to these things is also an option for young players. He could look lost, out of shape, or even uninterested. So, while things could change, Warren is starting his career off on the right foot. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and he could have a long and fruitful NFL journey.
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