The Indianapolis Colts landed the best tight end in this year's draft class after being able to sign Penn State's Tyler Warren. Tight end was a major need for the Colts, arguably above any other position - yes, including quarterback. The tight end room has been notoriously bad; there hasn't been a single tight end to reach 500 receiving yards in a season since 2018.
Understandably, the expectations surrounding Warren heading into the 2025 season were sky-high. He entered training camp immediately proving the buzz around him was well deserved, with analysts and coaches alike gushing over his performance.
Of course, plenty of fans have been disappointed after getting their hopes up for a player during the offseason, but Warren kept the hype train going throughout the preseason - and then, in Week 1, played a huge role in the Colts' decisive victory over the Miami Dolphins. In fact, he played so well that he set new NFL records.
Colts' Tyler Warren already looks to be Hall of Fame worthy
While a lot of attention was paid towards Daniel Jones, the biggest winner from the Colts' Week 1 victory was, by far, Tyler Warren. He did everything Shane Steichen asked him to do, and he did it all well. He proved that he is, in fact, a tight end that can do anything - and we do mean anything.
Warren killed it as a receiver and as a blocker, and even had a carry as a fullback. This versatility is something the Colts have been missing for quite some time; there hasn't been a tight end capable of this much since Jack Doyle.
But Warren didn't just play well - he (along with Harold Fannin, Jr.) already set a a new NFL record for most receptions by any rookie tight end in Week 1.
Harold Fannin Jr. and Tyler Warren both set an NFL record in their debuts
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 7, 2025
Fannin and Warren had 7 catches each — the most all time by any rookie tight end in Week 1 🔥
H/T @thenickshook pic.twitter.com/ocbZdgB0is
This was a record for rookies, yes, but Warren is not playing like a rookie. He is playing like an experienced veteran at the height of his game. There's no denying that he is a front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY), and if he keeps performing like this, if we're being honest, who could really take it away from him?
OK, sure, there are some other promising candidates, and tight ends are generally overlooked, but with this level of play, he should be recognized.
"How about that guy, right? Honestly, it could've been even worse, but we spread it out so much," Michael Pittman Jr. said. "We could've spammed him with targets — he could have 200 yards the way he plays."