Penn State star can cross off one landing spot that appeared perfect in top 10 picks of 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL draft process is a long one that brings winding roads and mixed messages. Deception isn't always purposeful, as free agency and the evaluation phase change team priorities. Everyone thinks they know what will happen in the 2025 NFL Draft, but every team has its own way of building a team. The Carolina Panthers […]
The NFL draft process is a long one that brings winding roads and mixed messages. Deception isn't always purposeful, as free agency and the evaluation phase change team priorities. Everyone thinks they know what will happen in the 2025 NFL Draft, but every team has its own way of building a team.
The Carolina Panthers are a good example of how a team can change its interests. At the end of February, Panthers head coach Dave Canales talked about how a dynamic playmaker could help his offense.
He was specifically discussing Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
"He's an incredible player. Speaking of versatility, here's a guy who can play close to the interior and play physical because of his sheer size. He does create some mismatches in the passing game and you can hand him the ball. If you look at some of the teams that are using tight ends for QB sneaks, that would be a weapon in a short-yardage situation. He's a very interesting prospect."
We found Warren to be an excellent fit with young quarterback Bryce Young because of his verticality and creation ability after the catch. However, Canales put cold water on the idea when talking to Kay Adams of the Up & Adams show.
"We have to address the needs on defense first. We were 32nd in the league in defense. That's something where our focus has gone to so we can play good, balanced, complimentary football."
Canales alluded to how they identified great offensive playmakers, but the team isn't focusing on a top receiver at this time. The Panthers kicked the can on DK Metcalf, but a trade would've been too costly.
Canales had been spot on about Warren, though, who ranks among the very best overall talents in the class. Coming off an insane season with 104 receptions, 1,233 yards, and eight touchdowns, plus 26 carries for 218 yards and four scores, Warren can do it all. He's an elite athlete at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds.
He touched on a specific usage that is especially valuable for a team with a quarterback who is only 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds. The tush push is out of the question for Young, and even asking him to do sneaks is risky.
Carolina converted only 36% of third down conversions and 46% of 4th down attempts, ranking 26th in the NFL in both areas. The short-yard situations weren't a major weakness, but being more versatile and having options is a good thing.
Ultimately, Carolina will look elsewhere in the first round, but it would've been fun to imagine creative ways Canales could've integrated Warren into the unit.
