All signs point to the Colts wanting Warren, but what if he isn’t available?
We are one week out from the 2025 NFL Draft, and the rumor mill and mock drafts are in full swing. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone is hoping the Indianapolis Colts will select their top player in the first round. The first round of the draft is full of surprises, as you never really know what a team is going to do, especially if the Raiders are participating. Last year, the huge shocker was the Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall. Those types of moves make the board unpredictable, but most are speculating that the Colts desire Tyler Warren out of Penn State as their first round selection.
Some analysts have predicted Warren will be there when the Colts make their pick. Others see him going closer to or within the top ten. That is high for a tight end, but special talent gets special placement. Brock Bowers was coveted by the Colts last year, and he made it all the way to thirteenth. The season Bowers turned in was fantastic, especially compared to what the Colts got out of their tight ends last year. If Warren can meet or exceed what Bowers did last year, he would be worth a top ten pick. The Colts are hoping others don’t see it that way, but if they do, fully expect Chris Ballard to trade back.
The man who loves his picks would gladly scoot back a few spots while picking up another selection. Warren going in the top ten would be out of his control as a trade up to get him would most likely be too costly. If that can’t happen, expect the Colts to deploy the strategy of, if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with and select Colston Loveland out of Michigan. Loveland may not be the ultimate Showcase Showdown, but it doesn’t mean he is a consolation prize either. If Chris Ballard can nab him in the 20’s while gaining more draft capital, expect him to be a happy man.
It is impossible to know who will have a better career out of these two men. There are simply too many factors to consider, but if the first choice in Tyler Warren is off the board, Chris Ballard could vary well take that as a sign to move back. He has done it before, so don’t be surprised if you see it next Thursday. Either player would be fully welcomed and appreciated in Indianapolis if they can pull this unit up from the depths to which it has sunk. Produce and Colts nation will get behind either player; fail to and watch the comparisons and regrets commence.