When an NFL team's premier tight end racks up over 800 yards, 76 receptions, and four touchdowns in 17 games, he did his job, not to mention those are elite numbers for a tight end. Those are the numbers Tyler Warren put up for the Indianapolis Colts last season, and he racked them up as a rookie.
There is no veteran DNA running through Warren's veins, not for several more years yet. Still, going off the stats sheet alone, Warren's production resembles that of a veteran. What Warren did in year one for the Colts was exceptional, and certainly exceeded all expectations; can he do it again, though? Can he do even better?
Those are key questions to ask as Warren gears up for his second season in the NFL. Amazingly, after just one season, he's already established himself as the Colts' No. 1 option at tight end, and there's no going back now, unless he struggles mightily in year two.
Uncertainty with WR depth could force the Indianapolis Colts to lean on Tyler Warren even more in his sophomore season
Colts fans aren't banking on that, though. Instead, they, much like the Colts front office and coaching staff, are banking on Warren doing even more.
Back to Warren's 817 yards and 72 receptions, the most eye-catching number was his targets: Warren was targeted 112 times last season, the second-most targets any rookie pass catcher in Colts franchise history, next to Marvin Harrison's 118 targets in 1996. Warren is already etching himself into franchise history.
It is fully on the board that Warren receives just as many targets next season, if not more, considering what he proved he could do last season. What may increase those odds is simply that the Colts might need to target Warren that much again. The Colts don't have many questions on offense, but one uncertain position group lies at wide receiver.
It's nothing to do with Alec Pierce or Josh Downs, only who comes after. Currently, a position battle for WR3 is ongoing between longtime Colts veteran Ashton Dulin, newly acquired free agent Nick Westbrooke-Ikhine, Laquon Treadwell, and seventh-round draft pick Deion Burks.
It's likely that of these four players, Dulin lands the job, but his limited track record at wide receiver could also hurt him.
By the looks of things, no matter who wins the No. 3 spot, the Colts' offense is more likely to revolve around Pierce, Downs, and Warren the majority of the time. The Colts' wide receiver depth is just not that strong, which opens the door for Warren to have another great season, or better, and the likelihood of "better" seems more realistic.
If Warren wasn't already on track to join the NFL's elite group of tight ends, the stars are pointing to that next year. If the Colts ask more of him, there is no reason to believe, based on the evidence, that Warren won't come through. A 1,000-yard season is without question in the cards for Warren.
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