ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his first 2025 NFL mock draft on Wednesday. So who did he have the Indianapolis Colts taking?
Like many, Kiper has the Colts getting some help for Anthony Richardson and at a position that could very much use a boost for Indianapolis.
At the 14th overall pick, Kiper has the Colts selecting Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. Kiper added that he did consider taking either cornerback or safety here as well–two other big needs for the Colts.
“If the Colts want to maximize quarterback Anthony Richardson, they should be adding to his supporting cast this offseason,” wrote Kiper. “He could slide right into the Colts’ lineup, with Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox both set for free agency.”
Warren would add a pass-catching presence to the Colts offense that they just haven’t had. This past season with Penn State, he was among the most productive receiving tight ends in college football, totaling 104 receptions for 1,233 yards with eight touchdowns.
In 2024, the Colts’ tight end unit combined for 467 receiving yards. Compared to the rest of the NFL, there were 25 individual tight ends–not units–who had more receiving yards than Indianapolis.
But in addition to what Warren would add to the passing game, he also comes to the NFL as a willing and capable blocker and is someone who can be lined up across the formation.
When you have a tight end with a well-rounded skill set like that, there becomes a layer of unpredictability that is added to the offense. It becomes difficult for the defense to decipher what’s coming because the tight end can fill a variety of roles and where that player is lined up doesn’t provide any sort of insight into what might be coming.
Both Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox are set to be free agents this offseason. So in addition to the Colts needing to upgrade the tight end position this offseason, they also need more depth.
Not surprisingly, for all the reasons mentioned, Warren is a very popular pick to the Colts in early mock drafts.