Top 20 NFL Draft Prospects: Tyler Warren

Collegiate Accolades

After redshirting in his freshman year, Warren went on to play 25 games across the next two seasons. In the 2023 season, he was named Third-team All-Big Ten. He also tied for the team lead with seven receiving touchdowns. He was a versatile player for the team, earning a spot as a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award during his senior year. That season, he was the highest-rated tight end, winning the John Mackey Award. He was also the Big Ten Conference TE of the Year and was named Second-team AP All-American and First-team All-Big Ten.

Warren achieved the highest finish (seventh) in the Heisman Trophy voting for a tight end since Notre Dame’s Ken McAfee finished third in 1977. In the Fiesta Bowl, Warren showed his worth, delivering an MVP-worthy performance. He broke the Penn State single-season record with 104 receptions, becoming the only Nittany Lion to record 100 catches in a season. He also set program records for a tight end with 104 receptions and 1,233 receiving yards, while also establishing the Big Ten tight end single-season records for receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,233). On top of all that, he set several other game records, solidifying his place as one of Penn State’s most impactful players.

Scouting Report Summary

Warren is an elite player with an elite character. Among his many good offerings, his versatility makes him stand out the most—the ultimate “whatever whenever” guy. His ability to line up in different spots gives offensive coordinators the chance to exploit defensive weaknesses. He’s got a winning mentality that drives him to always compete. He’s big but he still manages to display enough quickness to beat defenders in man coverage.

Warren has an eye for open spaces in defense too, and is able to exploit these areas. While his effectiveness as both a lead blocker and a move blocker cannot be disputed, he needs to work on sustaining blocks when lined up in-line. He’s capable of making plays at any level but excels best in the short and intermediate passing game. His strong football instincts and high confidence level are top-notch, giving him an edge on the field. With these traits, he has the potential to develop into one of the league’s top tight ends.

Strengths

Reliable hands and hand-eye coordination: Showcases his dependability in securing catches under pressure.

Post-catch balance and power: His strength and balance make him hard to stop after the catch, allowing him to gain extra yards and extend plays.

Versatile player: His ability to line up at several positions enables offensive schemes to create mismatches.

Weaknesses

Inconsistent block maintenance: Struggles to maintain blocks, reducing his impact as a consistent blocker in the running game.

Weak pulling ability across the formation: Needs improvement in engaging as a puller, limiting his role in outside run plays or misdirection.

Slow releases in open space: Inconsistent getting off the line when lined up in space, which limits his effectiveness in creating separation quickly during routes.

NFL Combine Results

Pre-draft Measurables