Indianapolis Colts select Tyler Warren in first round of 2025 NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts selected former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren with the No. 14 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Warren spent five seasons at Penn State, where he 56 appearances and 31 starts.

Warren started in all 16 of the Nittany Lions’ games this season. He finished the year with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. Warren also recorded 26 carries for 218 yards and four scores this season.

Warren’s 104 catches and 1,233 yards last season are the most by a tight end in a single season in Big Ten history. For his efforts, he was named the Big Ten Tight End of the Year, an All-Big Ten First-Team selection and a Second-Team AP All-American. He also won the John Mackey Award, which is annually presented to the best tight end in college football.

Fueled by Warren’s fantastic play, the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in the event’s first year including 12 teams. Warren tallied six catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns in Penn State’s win over Boise State in the CFP quarterfinals.

Tyler Warren finished his career first among Penn State tight ends in total touchdowns (25 total; 19 receiving, 6 rushing), receptions (153), receiving yards (1,839), receiving touchdowns (19) and 100-yard games (5). Now, he’ll look to find success at the next level.

Warren played high school football at Atlee (VA), where he was a three-star recruit. He was the No. 548 overall player and No. 24 tight end in the 2020 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Tyler Warren

NFL draft experts don’t expect Warren’s success to slow down at the next level. Ahead of the draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein raved about Warren’s NFL potential.

“The ultimate ‘whatever, whenever’ player in the 2025 draft with the size, athleticism and competitive spirit to make good on his intentions,” Zierlein wrote. “Warren plays with swagger and ‘best player on the field’ energy. He imprints on games with alignment versatility, allowing opportunities for play-callers to stress the defense. Despite his size, he’s quick enough to beat man coverage underneath and plays with good recognition of holes in coverage.

“He has the ball skills and toughness to win contested catches and withstand punishing contact. He’s very capable as a lead/move blocker but will need a little improvement at sustaining blocks when blocking in-line. Warren can access all three levels of the field but is best served short and intermediate. He possesses elite football character and plays with a confidence that can be contagious. He has a chance to become one of the best tight ends in the league.”