INDIANAPOLIS — The transition from Saturday dominance to Sunday survival is rarely linear. For Penn State fans following the 2025 NFL rookie class, nothing illustrated this volatility better than the contrasting journeys of Tyler Warren and Abdul Carter.
One was a mid-first-round pick who quietly became one of the best players in the league. The other was a Top-3 global superstar who found himself fighting for snaps.
The Surprise Superstar: Tyler Warren
When the Indianapolis Colts selected Tyler Warren 14th overall last April, the consensus was “solid pick.” A reliable tight end. A safety valve.
Nobody predicted Pro Bowler.
Warren didn’t just adapt to the NFL; he thrived in it. Stepping into a Colts offense that desperately needed legitimate weapons, Warren became the focal point.
- The Stats: 76 receptions, 817 yards, 4 touchdowns.
- The Accolade: Named to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, replacing an injured Brock Bowers.
- The History: Only the second rookie tight end in Colts history to earn a Pro Bowl nod.
Warren proved that his versatility at Penn State—where he played TE, Wildcat QB, and H-Back—wasn’t a gimmick. It was a preview of the modern NFL chess piece. He fits the prototype of the “positionless” offensive weapon that defensive coordinators lose sleep over. While he wasn’t the first TE off the board, he ended 2025 as arguably the most impactful.
The Burden of Expectations: Abdul Carter
Conversely, the bright lights of the Big Apple were harsh on Abdul Carter.
Drafted 3rd overall by the New York Giants, Carter arrived with Lawrence Taylor comparisons and Defensive Rookie of the Year expectations. He leaves his rookie season with more questions than answers.
The stat sheet isn’t empty—4.0 sacks and 43 tackles—but the impact was sporadic. Carter struggled with the speed of NFL tackles early in the season, often over-running plays or getting washed out in the run game.
Compounding the on-field adjustment were off-field murmurs. Reports of tardiness and disciplinary benchings surfaced in November, leading to public criticism from New York media.
Analysts have noted that Carter’s transition has been hindered by a reliance on pure athleticism—a trait that allowed him to dominate in the Big Ten but is less effective against NFL tackles. He struggled to disengage from blocks and often found himself out of position in the run game.
To his credit, Carter finished strong, recording 3.5 of his sacks in the final month of the season. The talent is undeniable. But his rookie year serves as a humbling reminder that draft position guarantees nothing but a paycheck.
The Verdict
For Penn State, these two stories represent the duality of development.
Warren represents the refined product—a player whose fundamentals were so sound that he raised his ceiling immediately upon arrival. Carter represents the raw potential—an athletic marvel who still needs to learn the profession.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches for guys like Nicholas Singleton and Dani Dennis-Sutton, the lesson is clear: The draft card gets you in the door. What you do once you step inside is entirely up to you.