Tyler Warren's rookie in the lineup. Indianapolis Colts quickly became a bright spot for a team on the rise. Warren was the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout career at Penn State, where he won the 2024 John Mackey Award. Warren was expected to contribute immediately. However, he has already exceeded expectations in nine games.
- Ability to receive the ball. This includes hands, route running and catch speed, which measure how reliable and skilled he is as a pass catcher. A-
- Yards After the Catch (YAC) – Important for tight ends who can turn short plays into big gains with speed and agility. B+
- Blocking. Both run blocking and pass protection are critical for a tight end to contribute to the offensive line. B+
- Red Zone Efficiency – Efficiency in scoring situations, including contested catches and touchdowns. A-
- Endurance and Physical Strength – Mental and physical toughness as well as willingness and effectiveness in contact, especially when blocking and catching in traffic. A-
Warren is the centerpiece of the Colts' passing game and ranks among the top rookies in terms of productivity. Through nine games, Warren has 42 catches for 518 yards and three touchdown receptions, also adding one rushing score. He's averaging 12.3 yards per catch and has had at least four receptions in all but one game. This is 3district year in a row where the rookie tight end made an immediate splash in the league. Last year it was Bowers, and the year before it was LaPorta.
Warren's influence extends beyond statistics. Colts cornerback Daniel Jones often turned to Warren on key downs and in the red zone, especially in the team's opener, where Warren led the team with seven catches and 76 yards, setting the immediate tone. He also leads all NFL tight ends in yards after catch and contested catches through two weeks, highlighting his physical strength and reliability in traffic.​
When comparing Warren to other rookies, few can match his combination of reliable hands, explosive play and versatility as a blocker and runner. While some rookies show great strides at times, Warren's consistent production is unmatched, with his 518 rushing yards outpacing other 2025 rookie TEs and his touchdown production putting him in the top tier among rookie rushers. He trails only big names Jackson Dart and Ashton Ginty in overall Rookie of the Year odds, making him a front-runner for the top tight end award and giving the Colts an offensive identity built around his unique skill set.​
Tyler Warren's combination of size, speed and football IQ has not only revitalized the Colts' offense, but has put him on the right path to finishing as the top TE in this rookie class.
