Once, there was a time when NFL teams might be high on a tight end, but weren't sure how much production that player would bring. Jimmy Graham, for instance, was great for the New Orleans Saints, but mostly because of his fit in the Saints' scheme. Indianapolis Colts rookie Tyler Warren is different.
Warren is an ultra-athletic 6'6" and 255-pound player who can be versatile in the offense, while also being an every-down fit because he can block well, too. He is going to have some explosive plays, sure, but he is going to get a lot of targets because he has a high football IQ and knows how to get open.
The Colts also have some good wide receivers who will take defensive focus away from the rookie. This should only make Warren more productive in his first year. Madden 26, though, isn't as high on Warren as the game's ratings need to be.
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren was robbed blind by Madden 26 rating
The tight end received only a 75 rating. While his marks were high as far as staying healthy, speed, and agility, he got only a dismal 64 in terms of spatial awareness. The ridiculous part is that it is one of the facets of the game where Warren excels.
In 2024, Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers had 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 153 targets. Warren has Bowers-type talent. Bowers was excellent in college at Georgia and was expected to be good immediately. He was.
But Madden 25 didn't disrespect Bowers with a low rating, even though the tight end was in his first season. He received a grade of 88. Warren is not going to be as productive as Bowers was as a rookie because the Indianapolis Colts do not need him to be. Indy has more options at skill spots than the Raiders did in 2024.
But potential raw production isn't the reason Bowers got a higher grade. Madden just had more faith in his raw abilities. With Warren, Madden underappreciates what the rookie tight end can do.
Let's rephrase that: What Tyler Warren will do.
He was terrific at Penn State in 2024 with 104 catches and 1,233 yards. He also ran the ball 26 times for a very good 218 yards. He can do a lot of things extremely well. Warren isn't as fast as Bowers, but he is bigger. In tight spaces, he can make enough room to get the dirty yards.
And he will. Will Tyler Warren be better than Brock Bowers? Maybe or maybe not. But the argument is close enough that Madden 26 should have given the Indianapolis Colts rookie a closer rating than what they gave Brock Bowers last year.