Tyler Warren

The latest in the long line of NFL tight ends out of Happy Valley, Warren (6’6/256) was parked behind Pat Freiermith, Brenton Strange, and Theo Johnson at various points in his career. It was finally Warren’s time in 2024 and he didn’t disappoint. Warren exploded for 104 catches, 1,233 yards, and eight touchdowns. He added a 216/218/4 line on the ground and completed 3-of-6 passes for 35 yards and a touchdown. Warren’s proficiency as a tight end and his occasional use as both a running back and a wildcat quarterback earned him the Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end. Warren has the size of a traditional tight end who can earn targets over the middle of the field, but he’s also a force to be reckoned with after the catch. Warren averaged 6.7 yards after the catch per reception and totaled 692 YAC in his final season. The former Nittany Lion is also a comfortable run-blocker, leveraging his size and tenacity to pave the way on the ground. Warren looks the part of a future Pro Bowl tight end and should hit the ground running in the right landing spot. He will have fantasy TE1 upside out of the gates.

Florio also reports “the teams to watch when it comes to tight end are the Jets at No. 7, the Bears at No. 10, and the Colts at No. 14. It’s possible both Warren and Loveland will go to two of those three teams.” Florio considers the Jets “specifically intriguing.” Gang Green is painfully low on pass-catching depth, and Warren would be a mismatch weapon in the middle of the field opposite Garrett Wilson. Warren is still most likely to be the first seam stretcher off the board, but both seem likely to be selected Night 1.

She notes that the Rams, who currently hold the No. 26 pick, may have to move up to land their guy. The Rams made an effort to move up for Brock Bowers last year but couldn’t get a deal done. They instead looked to the other side of the ball and drafted Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. With both Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland projected to go well with the top 20 picks, LA would have to move up to have a shot at either player. Even while competing with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams for targets, a first-round tight end would have TE1 potential as a rookie in Sean McVay’s fantasy-friendly system.