The tight end position is a major need for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. As GM Chris Ballard said, they need a greater passing game presence.
The top tight ends in this year’s draft class include Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland. But when it comes to who the Colts might have more interest in, what’s the big difference between these two prospects?
One of the best there is in the NFL draft world, Daniel Jeremiah, was recently asked this question and provided his insight.
“I look at tight ends, and you kind of look at the Gronk tree and the Kelce tree,” Jeremiah said. “If you are stylistically the differences between those two guys, it’s well-represented in this draft who you have Tyler Warren who represents more of the Gronk type that’s going to be better on the move, crossers, seams, get the ball in his hands and make people tackle him.”
Warren will come to the NFL with a very well-rounded skill. In addition to totaling over 1,200 receiving yards in the 2024 season alone, he’s also a very versatile player. We saw him line up across the formation, including in the backfield.
In addition to that key element, Warren is a very capable run-blocker as well. When you have those abilities in a tight end, there’s a layer of unpredictability the offense now has because there are a variety of hats that player can where, which can be difficult for a defense to decipher pre-snap.
“Whereas when you look at Loveland,” added Jeremiah, “it’s a little more Kelce, it’s a little more option routes, getting in and out of breaks, a little more fluid and someone who can make you miss after the catch, but not quite as physical a player there as you have there with Tyler Warren.”
As Jeremiah notes, Loveland is going to be known more for his ability as a pass-catching threat. Over the last two seasons, nearly half of his snaps have come lined up in the slot, and in 2023, he averaged an impressive 14.4 yards per catch, according to PFF.
So for the Colts, if they are in the fortunate position where both tight ends are available, they’ll have to choose what best suits their offense. Would they prepare to have a greater variety routes and options in the passing game with Loveland, or Warren’s more well-rounded skill set.
Personally, with how important the run game is for the Colts with Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, I would like to see this offense with Warren in it because with that aforementioned versatility and blocking ability–while still being able to make an impact in the passing game–I believe that element can open up a lot more opportunities within Shane Steichen’s playbook.
“Tyler Warren is my fifth overall player because his mixture of just size, physicality,” Jeremiah said. “He just walls guys off. He looks like a billboard rolling down the seam. He’s enormous. He has a huge catch radius.
“He is so physical and tough with the ball in his hands after the catch. They use him on the wild cat stuff and use him as a runner and do those different things because he’s a really hard guy to get on the ground.”