Rookie Tyler Warren could become a superstar for the Indianapolis Colts. He could also help save Anthony Richardson’s career.
The Colts drafted Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 NFL draft. When you’re drafted that high, you’re supposed to develop into a team’s franchise quarterback. However, that hasn’t been the case. Richardson has struggled mightily with injuries. For some reason, the former Florida Gator can’t stay healthy. Plus, he has also struggled with accuracy issues. Can having a talented tight end like Warren help him?
Colts Rookie Tyler Warren Could Help Save Anthony Richardson’s Career
A Look at Warren’s Career
Warren attended Atlee High School in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He played football, basketball, and baseball. Warren, the school’s starting quarterback, passed for 1,149 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior. He also rushed for 677 yards and 10 touchdowns. Initially committing to play at Virginia Tech, he ultimately chose Penn State.
Warren only recorded 49 receptions during his first four years with the Nittany Lions. However, he broke out in 2024, emerging as one of the best tight ends in the country. The Virginia native caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards, and eight touchdowns. Warren also had 197 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. As a result, he won the John Mackey Award and was named Big Ten Tight End of the Year. The Colts wound up taking him 14th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Again, Richardson has had trouble throwing the football. He completed just 47.7% of his passes last season. That’s just not going to cut it. Yet, he has shown flashes of being a solid passer. In Week 11 against the New York Jets, Richardson completed 20 of his 30 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a touchdown (his second rushing TD of the contest) with 46 seconds left in the game. The Colts won 28-27.
Help Is on the Way for Anthony Richardson
In training camp, Richardson will compete with newcomer Daniel Jones for the Colts’ starting quarterback spot. If Richardson wins, he’ll need all the help he can get to have a breakout season.
Tyler Warren can certainly help. Horseshoe Heroes’ Casandra Chesser wrote about the rookie being a positive for Richardson:
“Warren’s skill set will be a positive for Richardson and the Colts; as a dual-threat QB, Richardson will have more lanes to run in, and a dynamic tight end who can give him another reliable option to throw to – one without the butterfingers that plagued the Colts offense throughout 2024. Despite his struggles, Richardson is known for his ability to make explosive plays, and Warren will undoubtedly add to that.”
Warren could have a rookie season similar to the one Brock Bowers had last year. Bowers caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. As a result, the Las Vegas Raiders star was named a First-Team All-Pro.
If Warren becomes a star, it will be huge for Richardson. Having a great tight end to pass to is a great thing. Perhaps Patrick Mahomes wouldn’t be as successful as he is if he didn’t have Travis Kelce to pass to. While Warren may not be the next Kelce, he can surely be instrumental in improving Richardson’s career.
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