The Indianapolis Colts struck gold by landing Tyler Warren. Can the rookie tight end reach 1,000 yards in 2025?
For months leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, many mock drafts had the Colts taking Warren. Yet, it seemed he wouldn’t be available when the team picked at No. 14. Surprisingly, Warren was still around, and Indianapolis reeled him in.
The Colts needed a major upgrade at tight end. Needless to say, Warren should prove to be a great addition to the team. During his five-year career at Penn State, he had 153 receptions for 1,839 yards and 19 touchdowns. Last season, he caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. He won the Mackey Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top tight end.
Warren is primed for a big-time debut season. Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated believes he can have the league’s sixth-best rookie season in 2025:
6. Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ tight end room finished 2024 ranked last in receptions, second to last in receiving yards, and tied for second to last in receiving touchdowns. Enter Warren, who’s physical, sure-handed, versatile, and enough of a playmaker in space to warrant screens and quick passes. Warren alone revitalizes the tight end position in Indianapolis, and the No. 14 pick figures to be a common target for either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.”
We’ll see if Warren can be one of the league’s top rookies. And we’ll also see if he can surpass 1,000 yards.
Will Colts Rookie Tyler Warren Reach 1,000 Yards in 2025?
Rookie Tight Ends Who’ve Had 1,000-yard Seasons
It’s rare for a rookie tight end to get 1,000 yards. Only three in NFL history have ever done it: Mike Ditka, Kyle Pitts, and Brock Bowers.
Ditka is known for his coaching career. He guided the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory and later made a crazy Ricky Williams trade when he was with the New Orleans Saints. But before his coaching career, Ditka was a great tight end. As a rookie with the Bears in 1961, he caught 56 passes for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns. He ended up receiving Rookie of the Year honors.
It took 50 years for another rookie tight end to reach 1,000 yards. Pitts recorded 68 receptions and 1,026 yards in 2021. The Atlanta Falcons’ newcomer made the Pro Bowl that year.
Then Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders) hit the 1,000-yard mark last season. He set rookie season records for receptions (112) and the most receiving yards (1,194) by a tight end. He also earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Can Warren Do It?
It’s unclear who the Colts’ starting quarterback will be in 2025. It will either be Anthony Richardson or newcomer Daniel Jones. But who knows, maybe rookie Riley Leonard will manage to earn the starting job. Whoever Indy’s quarterback is will need as much help as possible.
Warren should provide a lot of help. He could team with wide receivers like Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce to form an outstanding pass-catcher group for the Colts.
No, Warren won’t have a star quarterback throwing to him. However, Bowers didn’t have a star QB passing to him last season either.
Don’t be shocked if Warren gets 1,000 yards. While it’s a rare achievement, he has the talent to accomplish the feat.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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