Among a number of topics in a recent article, ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid shared the approach that the Indianapolis Colts should take in the 2025 NFL draft.
Reid would note that Anthony Richardson’s development hasn’t gone as hoped, so to help provide some added stability for him in Year 3, bolstering the tight end position should be on the Colts’ to-do list.
Reid would go on to mention one draft prospect in particular, Penn State’s Tyler Warren.
“Drafting a safety-blanket tight end could aid the second-year quarterback. Penn State’s Tyler Warren is the best tight end in the 2025 class,” wrote Reid. “His alignment versatility allows him to be a pass catcher from various spots in formations, and he’s also a physical run blocker.”
In his season-ending press conference, general manager Chris Ballard mentioned that the Colts’ offense didn’t get enough production from the tight end position.
If we combined the receiving yards of all four of the Colts’ tight ends, the unit hauled 467 yards this season. Compared to the rest of the NFL, there were 25 individual tight ends–not entire tight end units–who had more receiving yards than the Colts entire group.
The addition of Warren would provide that needed pass-catching element at the position. As Reid noted, he led all FBS tight ends in first downs this past season and altogether totaled 98 receptions for 1,158 yards with eight scores.
Warren has also shown that he can hold his own as a blocker, and having a well-rounded skill-set at the tight end position can add a layer of unpredictability to an offense–an element that the Colts just do not have right now.
This potential addition would then hopefully add some much-needed stability to the Colts short and intermediate passing games. There were areas of the field where Richardson was inconsistent, which resulted in short possessions and overall struggles moving the ball.