The Indianapolis Colts will work out top tight end prospect Tyler Warren during the latter stages of the pre-draft process.
For the first time possibly ever, fans and analysts alike are in agreement about what the Indianapolis Colts need most: a viable starting tight end.
Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory — the least productive of the previous bunch — are currently the only Colts tight ends from last season’s putrid output who are set to return. So is fourth-year tight end Jelani Woods, though he hasn’t logged a snap since his rookie season in 2022 after battling through injury.
The Indianapolis Colts tight end room is desperate for new blood as its collective unit finished either last or second to last in every major category (targets, receptions, catch percentage, receiving yards, touchdowns, first downs) among NFL teams leaguewide.
To put into perspective how bleak the Colts tight end room looks ahead of the NFL Draft, the career leader in production is Albert Okwuegbunam — a practice squad player who hasn’t caught an NFL pass since the 2022 season.
Therefore, the Colts have been tied to tight end interest, whether via free agency or the NFL Draft, since the better half of this past season. As a result, the most frequented first-round mock selection for Indianapolis has been that of Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
Warren’s fit within Shane Steichen’s offense would be a perfect one, and there is reportedly legitimate interest coming from the Colts side of things.
The Indianapolis Colts are among a shortlist of teams who will work out the Penn State product during the latter stages of the pre-draft process, according to Sportskeeda’s NFL Draft insider Tony Pauline.
There was initially some concern as to why Warren hadn’t showcased his talents at the NFL Scouting Combine or his own Pro Day, but according to Pauline, his sights are set on a handful of teams with the Colts being one of them.
“Warren’s choice to stand on the sidelines was something I’ve been privy to for a few weeks now. The tight end is focusing on a handful of teams and will showcase his talents for them before the draft,” wrote Pauline. “The New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts were three of the teams named. Since then, I’ve been told the New Orleans Saints and both LA teams have seemingly joined the mix.”
So far, throughout the pre-draft process, Tyler Warren’s ties to the Colts have been largely comprised of scheme and need fits, though he did formally meet with the organization at the NFL Scouting Combine. That is until now when the previous intrigue evolves into legitimate interest.
Although it’s Anthony Richardson’s job to lose, it remains to be seen whether it’ll be him or Daniel Jones as the team’s starting quarterback for Week 1 of the upcoming season. What can’t be denied, however, is that whoever will be taking snaps needs a viable starting tight end to make their, and the offense’s, life a whole lot easier and Tyler Warren certainly fits the bill.