According to ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum (via subscription), a former NFL general manager, the Indianapolis Colts are projected to select standout Penn State tight end in his latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft. Tannenbaum has the Colts taking him with the 14th overall pick:
14. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
This season is pivotal for the Colts as they look to add playmakers around Anthony Richardson (or potentially Daniel Jones, who Tannenbaum expects to see some starts). He is a 6-foot-6, highly skilled tight end, recorded an impressive 104 receptions last season. Colts head coach Shane Steichen could utilize his versatility to create mismatches across the field. Given that Indianapolis had the second-fewest receiving yards from tight ends last season (467), Warren could quickly help elevate their production in that area.
During a dominant senior season with the Nittany Lions, the 6’6,” 261-pound tight end put up staggering numbers—104 receptions for 1,233 yards (11.9 yards per catch) and eight touchdowns across 16 starts. His standout performance earned him the John Mackey Award, along with First-Team All-American, Big Ten Tight End of the Year, and First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024.
Similar to how Las Vegas Raiders rookie All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers was selected 13th overall last year—just before the Colts took edge rusher Laiatu Latu at No. 15—I have serious doubts that Warren will still be available midway through the first round, especially with reported heavy interest from the New York Jets, who pick at No. 7.
If Warren somehow falls to No. 14, he would be an easy, no-brainer selection for Indianapolis—on par with past first-round picks like Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly, where the Colts landed immediate, blue-chip talents. However, there may be some prospect fatigue with Warren, as he’s been a popular projected target for the Colts in mock drafts for months.
This is the time of year when general manager Chris Ballard must avoid overthinking things. If Warren is within reach—either at No. 14 or slightly outside the top 10—Indianapolis should strongly consider making a move.
Arguments that tight end value can be found later in the draft have hurt the Colts before. In 2021, they waited until the fourth round to select Kylen Granson, who showed occasional flashes but was a key contributor to the team’s lack of production at the position before departing for the Eagles in free agency. The Colts can’t afford to make the same mistake again.
Warren is one of the most complete tight end prospects in recent memory, excelling as both a pass catcher and a run blocker. He would provide a dynamic receiving weapon for either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones while also fitting the Colts’ physical rushing identity as a powerful blocker.
Even if neither of those quarterbacks—or even Ballard himself—is in Indianapolis next year, Warren would still be a foundational piece for the franchise’s next signal-caller. If he lives up to comparisons to former stars like Dallas Clark or Jeremy Shockey, the Colts would finally have the elite tight end they’ve been missing for years. It’s time to invest in the position—so why not Warren?
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