Tyler Warren leaves Penn State not just as the greatest tight end in school history, but as one of the most unique offensive weapons college football has ever seen.
The 2024 John Mackey Award winner and 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist (7th place) rewrote the rulebook on what a tight end can do. Now, he takes his “Swiss Army Knife” skillset to the NFL Draft.
The Resume: Historic Production
Warren’s stats at Penn State are video game numbers.
- 153 Career Receptions (School record for TE)
- 1,839 Career Yards
- 25 Total Touchdowns (19 receiving, 6 rushing)
But the stats don’t tell the full story. It was how he got them. In his final two seasons, Warren took snaps at quarterback (his high school position), running back, tight end, slot receiver, and H-back. He even threw a touchdown pass.
2025 Season: The Focal Point
With Drew Allar injured midway through the season, the offense ran through Warren. Literally. He led the team in receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,233) while serving as the emergency QB option.
| Stat Category | 2025 Stats | FBS Rank (TEs) |
|---|---|---|
| Receptions | 104 | 1st |
| Yards | 1,233 | 1st |
| Touchdowns | 8 | Top 5 |
| Yards After Catch | 600+ | Elite |
NFL Scouting Report: The “F” Tight End
NFL scouts don’t view Warren as a traditional “Y” (inline blocker). They view him as a “Move” tight end or “F” build—similar to Kyle Juszczyk or Sam LaPorta.
Strengths:
- Versatility: Can align anywhere. Seriously, anywhere.
- Football IQ: His QB background allows him to read coverages as well as the person throwing him the ball.
- Hands: Drops are non-existent.
Weaknesses:
- In-line Blocking: While willing, he lacks the mass (256 lbs) to consistently move NFL defensive ends in the run game.
- long Speed: He is “football fast” (4.65) but not a burner who will separate vertically from NFL safeties consistently.
Draft Projection: Top 20 Lock
Warren is projected to be the first Tight End off the board.
- Draft Range: Picks 10-25.
- Best Fits: Indianapolis Colts (need weapons for Anthony Richardson), Los Angeles Chargers (Harbaugh loves tight ends).
- Selected By: In our latest mock, he goes 14th Overall to the Indianapolis Colts.
Final Verdict
Replacing Tyler Warren is impossible. Penn State won’t find another 6’6” quarterback who catches 100 passes. He is a generational college player whose legacy will be defined by his versatility. In the NFL, he has the potential to redefine the position again, giving creative offensive coordinators a weapon that defenses simply cannot match up with.