Penn State star Tyler Warren making strong charge to be the top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft class
Heading into the 2024 college football season, there was a clear front runner to be the first tight end selected in the 2025 NFL Draft class in April, and it was Michigan’s Colston Loveland. Now several weeks into the season, that conversation seems a lot more wide open than it once was. A big part […]
Heading into the 2024 college football season, there was a clear front runner to be the first tight end selected in the 2025 NFL Draft class in April, and it was Michigan’s Colston Loveland. Now several weeks into the season, that conversation seems a lot more wide open than it once was. A big part of that is the inept Wolverine passing attack, which has limited Loveland so far this season from a production perspective.
The other big reason is that a couple of talented tight ends have had massive rises so far this year as well. One of them is Penn State star Tyler Warren, who is coming off one of the best performances we have ever seen for a college tight end against the USC Trojans last week. During that contest, Warren hauled in 17 receptions for 224 yards and a touchdown.
Coming into the season, NFL evaluators had some high opinions on Warren, even after he shared a lot of reps with Theo Johnson last season. There was a ton of Day Two (rounds 2-3) buzz out there, with a lot of evaluators valuing his combination of size (6057v, 260v) and overall athleticism.
After the USC performance, the question has to be asked, can Warren be the first tight end selected when we get to April? You saw everything during that game you needed to see from Warren. He’s not a dominant blocker right now, but he has the body type to get better in that capacity. You are, however, drafting Warren to come in and catch the football.
His massive frame was on full display against the Trojans. The team was able to utilize him in a variety of ways during that contest. You clearly saw that offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki wanted to get the football in No. 44’s hands, no matter what. That came as a route runner, and off of some play design.
Penn State also utilizes Warren in the screen game, and with some clear outs. Despite being a massive tight end, Warren is really underrated after the catch. He moves incredibly well, is smooth, and does a good job playing through contact. The modern space oriented offenses will love Warren.
The biggest negative on Warren coming into the season has been drops. So far this season, he has been a ton better in that regard. You saw the improved hand strength in this contest. Warren has a big body, good ball skills, and has now been a more dependable target through contact.
Others in the industry are also getting pretty high on Gunnar Helm (Texas) as well. The tight end class is clearly unsettled as it stands. Warren is going to have a huge opportunity to fight right at the top. Keep a close eye on the all star circuit, as well as the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. His path is clear.
