INDIANAPOLIS – We’re two-plus months away from the NFL Draft, and there’s an early frontrunner for the Indianapolis Colts’ next first-round pick.
Tyler Warren.
Of the 13 mock drafts surveyed after the Philadelphia Eagles dismantled the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday in Super Bowl LIX, six project general manager Chris Ballard giving quarterback Anthony Richardson the productive tight end the Colts have been missing with the 14th overall selection.
Warren solidified himself as a no-doubt first-round pick with his versatility and playmaking career at Penn State.
That’s arguably the most deficient position Ballard and his personnel staff must address this offseason. If veteran free agency, which begins March 12, doesn’t add a legitimate presence, the draft must. Absolutely must.
There’s no denying or downplaying the collective ineffectiveness of the Colts’ tight ends room in 2024: 39 receptions, 467 yards, two touchdowns. Among league tight ends, 32 had more receptions and 25 amassed more yards.
It was the worst production by a Colts’ tight ends room since 1994 (18 catches, 203 yards, one TD).
So, yes, Tyler Warren would represent a significant upgrade at the position and another legitimate weapon in Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen’s offense for Richardson.
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has the 6-6, 257-pounder ranked No. 5 among his draft-eligible prospects while ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Warren at No. 10 overall on his Big Board.
But, it’s early in the roster-building process. Things will remain fluid and no one can argue the need for the Colts to add talent at cornerback, safety, weak-side linebacker, running back, the offensive line . . . well, you get the idea.
Here’s a sampling of mock drafts, including the last time each was updated:
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic (Feb. 10)
*The pick: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
*The reason: This should be another great tight end class – Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland are the best of the bunch – but don’t be shocked if as many as four tight ends hear their names called in the first round. With this pick, Anthony Richardson would find his new best friend
Chad Reuter, NFL.com (Feb. 10)
*The pick: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas.
*The reason: Barron’s versatility, toughness and football IQ should land him in the middle-third of the first round. The Colts extended Kenny Moore last offseason, but injuries this past fall exposed the team’s lack of depth in the secondary.
Charlie Campbell, Walter Football (Feb. 10)
*The pick: OT/G Kelvin Banks, Texas.
*The reason: The Colts could use more interior offensive line talent. Banks played well at the starting left tackle for the Longhorns over the past few seasons. At 6-foot-4, 324 pounds, Banks has adequate size, but some might view him as having more of a guard-type body – depending on how long his arms are. Banks moves well for his size with quickness and athleticism. He could start out at tackle and move inside as a Plan B if he struggles on the edge.
Vinny Iyer, The Sporting News (Feb. 10)
*The pick: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State.
*The reason: The Colts haven’t had a top tight end target for a while, going back to the Andrew Luck days. They should love Warren’s awesome athletic playmaking potential for offensive-minded Steichen, a former Eagles’ coordinator who took advantage of having Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia. Warren can be a necessary complement to Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, regardless of whether Anthony Richardson remains the QB.
Mike Renner, CBS Sports (Feb. 10)
*The pick: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan.
*The reason: Chris Ballard is a traits-based drafter, and you won’t find too many prospects with better traits in this draft than Kenneth Grant. He’s a mammoth defensive tackle who moves like a 3-technique and is only scratching the surface of his potential.
Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus (Feb. 9)
*Trade: Projected trade with Los Angeles Chargers. Colts receive Chargers’ picks in round 1 (No. 22), round 2 (55), round 4 (124) and round 5 (159); Chargers receiver Indy’s round 1 (14) and round 4 (116).
*The pick at 22: CB Shavon Revel, East Carolina.
*The reason: It’s hard to believe that general manager Chris Ballard would draft a player coming off a season-ending injury in the first round, but Revel’s size (6-3, 190), athleticism and ball skills would fit in new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense to improve a major weakness in Indianapolis last season.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (Feb. 9)
*The pick:.G Armand Membou, Missouri.
*The reason: Membou is on the short side for a tackle (6-3, 332), but he has long arms and good tape. He’s a good technician and has a chance to start immediately at right guard for the Colts.
Cynthia Frelund, NFL.com (Feb. 7)
*The pick: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State.
*The reason: Warren is massive (6-6, 261 pounds), versatile and tough with a catch radius that would make him an ideal target for Anthony Richardson.
Matt Miller, ESPN (Feb. 3)
*The pick: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
*The reason: The Colts’ secondary needs attention, so a pick there would make sense. But Warren could really help quarterback Anthony Richardson and there’s always round 2 to boost the defensive back group. Warren produced touchdowns as a receiver, runner and passer at Penn State and could be a reliable outlet for Richardson. Warren was a prolific pass catcher (104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns), but he also has the size to be a standout blocker in the run game. The Colts must determine whether Richardson is their long-term quartertback, and providing him with Warren – who has the potential to be a top-five NFL tight end – would support that process.
Eric Edholm, NFL.com (Jan. 31)
*The pick: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina.
*The reason: I love Emmanwori’s game and think he can rise through the draft process, even if he might be asked about the “miscommunication” over exiting the Gamecocks’ bowl game at halftime.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (Jan. 29)
*The pick: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State.
*The reason: Adding more playmakers on the perimeter is essential to helping Anthony Richardson reach his potential as a franchise quarterback. Warren is a freak athlete with the athletic measurements and production to tickle GM Chris Ballard’s fancy.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (Jan. 26)
*The pick: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas.
*The reason: I think you’ll see the buzz around Barron continue to grow. He possesses great quickness, instincts and ball skills.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (Jan. 22)
*The pick: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State.
*The reason: If the Colts want to maximize quarterback Anthony Richardson, they should be adding to his supporting case this offseason. Warren catches everything, hauling in 104 of his 135 targets this season for 1,233 yards and eight scores. Penn State used him all over the place – the slot, out wide, in-line, in the backfield – and he produced no matter the alignment. He could slide right into the Colts’ lineup with Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox both set for free agency.
I also considered going cornerback or safety here. Indy needs both. If (Georgia safety Malaki) Starks is still available, I like that fit. (South Carolina safety) Nick Emmanwori works his way into the conservation as well. But Warren could be awesome in this offense, and the value is much better.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.