When you consider talent amongst the tight ends in the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts' Tyler Warren doesn't exactly jump off the page; he only just finished his rookie season, of course, and may still be unfamiliar with a lot of fans.
That will soon change, because Warren is one of the NFL's offensive weapons about to explode onto the scene, if he hasn't already achieved that last season. Warren was one of the Colts' most effective weapons last season, aside from wide receiver Alec Pierce, and the tight end's role is likely to grow even larger.
The question is: where would a great second year put Warren in the top tight end rankings? Or has he already entered that space? Posting over 800 yards as a rookie tight end is quite spectacular, and the early signs show Warren is only going to get better, and by the end of next season, he should be sitting near the top of the league at his position.
Indianapolis Colts' Tyler Warren has an open window to be considered a top tight end in the NFL next season
Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, and Sam LaPorta round out three of the best tight ends in the NFL today, and what's remarkable is that all of them haven't even reached their prime yet. Warren hasn't even played his second season yet, but he's quickly rising up the ladder to have his name linked with the others.
Warren hauled in 76 receptions on 112 targets for 817 yards and four touchdowns in year one. The common theme linking Warren with LaPorta and Bowers is their rookie seasons ending with sensational numbers. LaPorta collected 889 yards, and Bowers had 1,194 yards. McBride only had 210 yards in his rookie year, but over 800 in his second, and his numbers have only risen since.
The elite level of play from these players collectively has shown just how important and impactful the tight end position really is. We've seen it done consistently through the likes of Travis Kelce and George Kittle over the years. Now, it's the younger guys' turn to carry the baton.
The good news for the Colts and their fans is that Warren is literally just getting started, and there should be no surprise if he eclipses the 1,000-yard mark next season. In fact, all of his statistics should rise significantly, receptions and touchdowns alike.
If Warren can follow last year up with an even better one next season, he will be in the same group with Bowers, McBride, and LaPorta soon enough and should be considered one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Warren's trajectory is wide open, and with Michael Pittman Jr. gone and the Colts not replacing him, Warren's production should only increase.
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