The Indianapolis Colts got the best possible pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, when they were able to get Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. The Colts have been linked to Warren for as long as draft speculation has been taking place, and the concern was that - as excited a prospect as Warren was - he wouldn't make it to the 14th pick. But he did, and the Colts walked out of the draft proving that they didn't need to trade up to get their guy.
In a post-draft press conference, general manager Chris Ballard gave some insight into the process of choosing Warren - and made an incredible comparison to a current member of the Colts roster.
"Excited to get Tyler, we were patient," Ballard said to open the presser. "We had a pretty good feel when they started, when both tight ends started to fall, that - and we liked both of the players. But good fit for us, adds a toughness to our team."
2025 Draft Press Conference https://t.co/6n66YQOmU9
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 25, 2025
The first shock happened when the Chicago Bears took Colston Loveland at #10, with Warren still available on the board. While Loveland is an excellent TE in his own right, it was Warren that had been expected to be snatched up in an earlier round. "It's flavors, and fit for what you want to do," Ballard shrugged, and explained that it didn't change their strategy at all.
"I had a good feeling. We work really hard at this," he said, and then added, "Look, last time I felt that good about pulling a pick, and I felt good about all of them, it was Quenton [Nelson.] Like it was just - it was easy. There wasn't a lot of discussion."
Quenton Nelson was the only member of the Colts team to make the Pro Bowl this past season, and he's one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
"Last time I felt that good about a pick, it was Quenton Nelson."
Ballard pointed out that, with Warren, there are a lot more options available to them on offense. "He brings an element of toughness that he need to add offensively," he said. He also acknowledged Penn State's insane victory over USC, in which Warren had an astonishing 17 catches in just that one game.
"That was as dominant a game as you saw from any offensive player in college footbal this year," Ballard said. "To catch 17 balls, on the road, at USC, and they know he's getting the ball. And they just kept feeding it to him! No, he's unique. He's a unique player."