The Indianapolis Colts had possibly the greatest update of the draft when they were able to land Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, someone who had been linked to the Colts for months, but was in such high demand that it seemed impossible he would make it to #14. But miraculously, he did, and almost immediately, proved that he was worth the hype. Warren stunned at OTAs, and is poised to have a breakout rookie season. Who knows? It may not be too much of a stretch to see him in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY).
A new report from USA Today named Warren as one of four rookies most likely to have an explosive season.
"Warren fills a major need in Indy. The Colts had the worst tight end production in the NFL last season.Tyler Dragon, USA Today
The 6-foot-5, 256 pound Penn State product was the top tight end prospect in this year's draft. He possesses good ball skills, can run after the catch and doesn't mind blocking. He'll provide a security blanket for whoever starts at quarterback for the Colts.
Warren's 104 receptions last season were tied for second in the FBS and were a Penn State school record."
ESPN also could barely contain its excitement at seeing Warren's offseason workouts, and SI believes he could be named OROY. It's not common for tight ends, but Warren is already blowing minds with how well he's performed in the offseason.
Warren has been described as a tight end with "violent intentions" and has been compared to Travis Kelce. He has a long way to get there, of course, but the talent and potential is certainly there. He could easily end up as the successor to Kelce once the Chiefs star eventually retires, poised to take his place as the best tight end in the league.
The best part of it all is that he'll be doing it all in Indianapolis, hopefully revitalizing the Colts tight end room and launching the franchise into a much more successful future - all thanks to the breakout star that Indianapolis was simply lucky enough to get.