Tyler Warren NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report For Penn State TE
Tyler Warren, the Penn State tight end, is an exciting 2025 NFL Draft prospect with a rare mix of size, athleticism, and versatility. Transitioning from quarterback to tight end, Warren has developed into a dynamic offensive threat, capable of contributing both as a pass catcher and blocker. His ability to line up in various formations and make plays after the catch sets him apart, though he still has areas to refine. As Warren looks ahead to the NFL, his well-rounded skill set makes him a compelling option for teams seeking a versatile tight end.
Tyler Warren 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Tyler Warren enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most versatile and productive tight ends in college football, coming off a breakout 2024 season that saw him rewrite Penn State and Big Ten record books. A former high school quarterback turned tight end, Warren’s athleticism, football IQ, and multi-faceted skill set make him a tantalizing prospect. His 2024 campaign—highlighted by 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, plus 26 rushes for 218 yards and four scores—earned him the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end and cemented his status as a likely first-round pick. Eventually, this could translate to fantasy football production as well in the NFL.
HT: 6054
WT: 256
HAND: 948
ARM: 3168
40: 4.64
Strengths
- Versatility: Warren’s ability to line up inline, in the slot, out wide, as an H-back, and even in the backfield (including Wildcat quarterback snaps) gives him rare positional flexibility. Penn State’s creative usage under offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki showcased his adaptability, making him a mismatch nightmare for defenses.
- Receiving Ability: With soft hands and a massive catch radius, Warren excels at securing contested catches and high-pointing the ball. His 17-catch, 224-yard performance against USC in 2024 demonstrated his ability to dominate as a primary target, finding soft spots in zones and winning against man coverage with physicality and body control.
- Yards After Catch (YAC): Warren’s 690 yards after the catch in 2024 (tops among Power Four tight ends) highlight his ability to turn short passes into chunk plays. His long strides and surprising agility for his size allow him to evade initial tacklers and power through contact, forcing 30 missed tackles last season.
- Football IQ: A former quarterback, Warren’s understanding of defensive alignments and coverage schemes shines through in his route adjustments and ability to settle into voids. His experience throwing passes (3-of-6 for 35 yards and a touchdown in 2024) adds a trick-play dimension.
- Physical Profile: At his size, Warren has the prototypical frame for an NFL tight end, with the length and strength to shield defenders and the leaping ability to be a red-zone threat.
Areas for Improvement
- Run Blocking Technique: Warren is a willing blocker with competitive toughness, but his technique remains a work in progress. He tends to play with a high pad level and inconsistent hand placement, limiting his ability to sustain blocks against stronger defensive ends or linebackers. His effort is evident, but he lacks the polish to be a dominant inline blocker at the next level—yet.
- Route Running Nuance: Warren’s route tree expanded significantly in 2024, but he still shows occasional stiffness when breaking off routes, particularly against tight man coverage. His long legs can hinder quick-twitch cuts, and he’ll need to refine his footwork to maximize separation at the NFL level.
- Top-End Speed: Warren isn’t a burner who will stretch the field vertically like an elite wideout. His speed is functional for a tight end, but he relies more on stride length and power than explosive burst, which could cap his deep-threat potential.
- Pass Protection Experience: With limited snaps in pass protection (under 100 career snaps from what’s found), Warren’s ability to anchor against NFL edge rushers remains unproven. This could delay his development into a true three-down player.
Conclusion
Warren is a rare blend of size, athleticism, and football intelligence, with a 2024 season that elevated him from a sleeper to a blue-chip prospect. His ceiling depends on how quickly he adapts to the physicality and technical demands of NFL blocking, but his floor as a dynamic pass-catcher and red-zone weapon is already high. For a league increasingly valuing tight ends who can stress defenses in multiple ways, Warren is a plug-and-play talent with Pro Bowl potential.
Warren projects as a Day 1 starter with the potential to develop into a top-tier NFL tight end. His immediate value lies in his receiving ability and alignment versatility, making him an ideal fit for modern offenses that prioritize 12 personnel (two tight ends) or spread schemes like those of the San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs. Early in his career, he’s best utilized as a “big slot” or H-back, where his YAC ability and mismatch potential can shine while he refines his blocking. With coaching, he has the tools to become a complete inline “Y” tight end, akin to a George Kittle-lite with less elite speed but similar toughness and versatility.
The best fits for Warren would be a team like the Denver Broncos to complement Sean Payton’s creative play designs and Bo Nix’s need for a reliable target. Even the Los Angeles Chargers in Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy scheme to maximize Warren’s blocking growth while utilizing his pass-catching upside.
Round Grade: Mid 1st Round
Stats: Per Sports Reference
| Season | Team | G | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD |
| 2020 | Penn State | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021* | Penn State | 13 | 5 | 61 | 12.2 | 1 |
| 2022* | Penn State | 12 | 10 | 123 | 12.3 | 3 |
| 2023* | Penn State | 13 | 34 | 422 | 12.4 | 7 |
| 2024* | Penn State | 16 | *104* | 1233 | 11.9 | 8 |
| Career | 56 | 153 | 1839 | 12.0 | 19 |
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