Tag: Tyler Warren

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

How early will he go after such a prolific senior season?

Anyone who has watched Penn State tight end Tyler Warren should recognize his uniquely diverse skill set. What you may not know is how naturally it comes to him as a three-sport prep standout, lettering in basketball, baseball and being a three-star footballer. He also was born to student-athlete parents.

After a dominant senior performance, the Virginia native took his top-20-ranked game to Happy Valley in what wound up being a slower path to stardom than many may have expected.

Warren would see action in only two games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, which gave him an extra year of eligibility, and he mustered only four receiving touchdowns over the next two campaigns before showing legit potential as a redshirt junior.

In 2023, he’d catch seven TD passes and assert himself as one to watch entering Warren’s final year with the program. Penn State, which boasts a few pro-grade TEs in recent years, now has a new leader in all-time catches at the position, and Warren’s phenomenal 2024 performance earned him just about every honor imaginable for a tight end. He’d win the John Mackey Award (nation’s best TE), along with Second-team All-American, First-team All-Big Ten, and Big Ten Tight End of the Year recognition. Heck, he even finished seventh in Heisman voting.

Height: 6-foot-5 1/2
Weight: 256 pounds
40 time: 4.68 seconds (estimated)

Table: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State (2020-24)

Year Team Class G Receiving Rushing
Rec Yds Y/R TD Att Yds Y/A TD
2020 Penn State Fr 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
2021* Penn State rFr 13 5 61 12.2 1 6 6 1.0 2
2022* Penn State rSo 12 10 123 12.3 3 0 0 0
2023* Penn State rJr 13 34 422 12.4 7 0 0 0
2024* Penn State rSr 16 104 1,233 11.9 8 26 218 8.4 4
Career 56 153 1,839 12 19 32 224 7.0 6

*includes postseason/bowl games (stats from Sports Reference)

Pros

  • Dynamic skill set that allows him to play all over the field doing anything a coaching staff asks of him — can play H-back/fullback, classic Y, flexed into the slot, and direct-snap QB in wildcat
  • Elite production in 2024 not only as a receiver but rusher — set the program’s record for career TE receptions
  • Excellent hands, especially in traffic — concentration is impressive
  • Top-end upside in the NFL — easily could develop into a top-three player at the position in no time
  • Fluid route runner who understands how to manipulate defenders with subtly
  • Fits any system and scheme in the pros — will be at his best in a creative West Coast design
  • Talented blocker out of the backfield
  • An unteachable passion for playing that comes through the screen
  • High-character guy who will serve as an energetic team leader early on

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Cons

  • Occasionally gets sloppy or lackadaisical in his routes
  • In-line blocking as a true Y is inconsistent — minor mechanical issues to address
  • Much better within the first two levels of the route tree than as a vertical threat — capable of the latter, but it’s clearly not where he shines
  • Takes a lot of contact with his playing style — could open him up to elevated risk of injury
  • Only one year of dominant production, despite flashing earlier in career

Fantasy football outlook

All of that paints an idyllic picture for fantasy football owners looking ahead. Before we go down that road, trying to identify where Warren will land is a prudent course to take. It will be shocking if he slides out of Round 1, for starters. Narrowing it down to teams with a significant need at the position, the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets make the most sense, barring a team trading up.

Denver could be a sneaky option, but it seems improbable after picking up Evan Engram in free agency … Stranger things have happened of late (see Vegas drafting Brock Bowers with Michael Mayer in the wings). Chicago makes sense but also has higher priorities to address.

While this won’t instill much confidence in fantasy gamers, Hayden Hurst is a fair comp. The athletic, versatile former South Carolina standout’s NFL career hasn’t been particularly successful — one would argue that’s being generous given his first-round draft placement — so it’s easy to feel a certain way about the comparison.

Nevertheless, Warren is too gifted to let this deter you from viewing him as a TE1 by Year 2 and likely no worse than a matchup play in his rookie season, regardless of where he lands.

2025 NFL Combine Results

The measureables from the 2025 NFL draft class are locked in.

The 2025 NFL combine is in the books for the fantasy positions of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. The below results split each position into two. The first section are the players which are expected to be selected over the first two days (Rounds 1 to 3) and the next are the Day 3 players considering an averaging of current NFL Mock Drafts.

This draft class is different than last year. Quarterbacks are considered below average with many suggesting none of the current crop would be better than those five first-rounders from 2024.

Running Backs are a deep group with Ashton Jeanty a lock as the first back selected and another two or even three considered in the first round. There will be solid value into the third round if not beyond, so some teams may wait and yet not pay a price.

The wideouts are considered good, but overall a step down from last year when seven receivers were selected on Day 1. 2024 was a banner crop and this year is more regressing to the average.

This year’s set of tight ends are expected to produce several stars and is the strength of the draft for fantasy positions. Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland have a strong shot at first-round selections.

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

 Quarterbacks

Round 1 – 3 School Height Weight Hand size 40-yard
Cam Ward Miami 6′ 2″ 219 9 —
Shedeur Sanders Colorado 6′ 1″ 212 9 3/8 —
Jaxson Dart Mississippi 6′ 2” 223 9 1/2 —
Quinn Ewers Texas 6′ 2” 214 9 3/8 —
Jalen Milroe Alabama 6′ 2” 217 9 3/8 —
Round 4+ School Height Weight Hand size 40-yard
Brady Cook Missouri 6′ 2” 214 9 1/4 4.59
Dillon Gabriel Oregon 5′ 11” 205 9 1/4 —
Graham Mertz Florida 6′ 3” 212 9 3/4 —
Kurtis Rourke Indiana 6′ 4” 220 9 3/8 —
Kyle McCord Ohio State 6′ 3” 218 9 1/2 —
Max Brosmer Minnesota 6′ 2” 217 9 1/4 —
Riley Leonard Notre Dame 6′ 4” 216 9 1/2 —
Seth Henigan Memphis 6′ 3” 215 9 4.76
Tyler Shough Louisville 6′ 5” 219 9 3/4 4.69
Will Howard Ohio State 6′ 4” 236 9 —

 

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Running Backs

Round 1 – 3 School Height Weight Arm length 40-yard
Ashton Jeanty Boise State 5′ 9” 211 29 1/4 —
Quinshon Judkins Ole Miss 6′ 0” 221 30 1/4 4.48
Omarion Hampton North Carolina 6′ 0” 221 30 1/2 4.48
Jaydon Blue Texas 5′ 9” 196 29 7/8 4.38
Kaleb Johnson Iowa 6′ 1” 224 33 4.57
TreVeyon Henderson Ohio State 5′ 10” 202 30 3/4 4.43
Trevor Etienne Georgia 5′ 9” 198 29 1/4 4.42
Dylan Sampson Tennessee 5′ 8” 200 30 1/2 —
Round 4+ School Height Weight Arm length 40-yard
Bhayshul Tuten Virginia Tech 5′ 9” 200 30 1/2 4.32
Brashard Smith SMU 5′ 10” 194 30 1/2 4.39
Cam Skattebo Arizona State 5′ 10” 219 29 7/8 —
Corey Kiner Cincinnati 5′ 9” 208 30 1/2 4.57
Damien Martinez Miami 6′ 0” 217 30 1/2 4.51
Devin Neal Kansas 5′ 11 213 29 5/8 4.58
DJ Giddens Kansas State 6′ 0” 212 30 3/8 4.43
Donovan Edwards Michigan 5′ 11” 205 30 4.44
Ja’Quinden Jackson Arkansas 6′ 1.5” 229 33 —
Jarquez Hunter Auburn 5′ 9” 204 30 4.44
Jordan James Oregon 5′ 9” 205 29 3/4 4.55
Kalel Mullings Michigan 6′ 1” 226 31 3/4 —
Kyle Monangai Rutgers 5′ 8” 211 28 3/4 4.6
LeQuint Allen Syracuse 6′ 0” 204 32 —
Marcus Yarns Delaware 5′ 11” 193 31 1/8 4.45
Montrell Johnson Jr. Florida 5′ 11” 212 30 3/4 4.41
Ollie Gordon II Oklahoma State 6′ 1” 226 32 3/4 4.61
Phil Mafah Clemson 6′ 0” 234 31 3/8 —
Raheim Sanders South Carolina 6′ 0” 217 31 1/2 4.46
RJ Harvey UCF 5′ 8” 205 29 4.4
Tahj Brooks Texas Tech 5′ 9” 214 30 3/8 4.52
Ulysses Bentley   IV Ole Miss 5′ 10” 201 29 4.62
Woody Marks USC 5′ 10” 207 29 1/8 4.54

 

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Wide Receivers

Round 1 – 3 School Height Weight Hand size 40-yard
Travis Hunter Colorado 6~0 188 9 1/8
Tetairoa McMillan Arizona 6′ 4” 219 10 —
Luther Burden   III Missouri 6′ 0” 206 8 1/2 4.42
Emeka Egbuka Ohio State 6′ 1” 202 9 5/8 —
Xavier Restrepo Miami 5′ 10” 209 9 1/8 —
Matthew Golden Texas 5′ 11” 191 9 1/2 4.3
Tez Johnson Oregon 5′ 10” 154 9 4.51
Jack Bech TCU 6′ 1” 214 9 —
Tre Harris Mississippi 6′ 2” 205 9 5/8 4.54
Savion Williams TCU 6′ 4” 222 10 1/4 4.49
Jalen Royals Utah State 6′ 0” 205 9 1/2 4.42
Jaylin Lane Virginia Tech 5′ 10” 191 9 7/8 4.35
Round 4+ School Height Weight Hand size 40-yard
Andrew Armstrong Arkansas 6′ 4” 202 9 5/8 4.52
Antwane Wells   Jr. Mississippi 6′ 1” 201 8 7/8 4.58
Arian Smith Georgia 6′ 0” 179 9 4.36
Beaux Collins Notre Dame 6′ 3” 201 9 1/2 —
Bru McCoy Tennessee 6′ 3” 209 10 —
Chimere Dike Florida 6′ 1” 196 9 1/8 4.34
Daniel Jackson Minnesota 5′ 11” 193 9 —
Da’Quan Felton Virginia Tech 6′ 5” 213 9 4.5
Dominic Lovett Georgia 5′ 10” 185 9 1/4 4.41
Dont’e Thornton   Jr. Tennessee 6′ 5” 205 9 5/8 4.3
Elic Ayomanor Stanford 6′ 2” 206 10 4.44
Elijhah Badger Florida 6′ 1” 200 9 1/2 4.43
Isaac TeSlaa Arkansas 6′ 4” 214 10 4.44
Isaiah Bond Texas 5′ 11” 180 8 1/2 4.4
Isaiah Neyor Nebraska 6′ 4” 218 9 1/2 4.41
Jacolby George Miami 5′ 11” 172 9 1/2 —
Ja’Corey Brooks Louisville 6′ 2” 184 9 —
Jayden Higgins Iowa State 6′ 4” 214 9 1/8 4.47
Jaylin Noel Iowa State 5′ 10” 194 8 3/4 4.39
Jimmy Horn Jr. Colorado 5′ 8” 174 8 3/4 4.46
Jordan Watkins Mississippi 5′ 11” 196 9 1/8 4.38
Josh Kelly Texas Tech 6′ 1” 186 10 1/2 4.7
Kaden Prather Maryland 6′ 4” 204 9 1/4 4.46
KeAndre Lambert-Smith Auburn 6′ 1” 186 10 1/2 4.38
Kobe Hudson UCF 6′ 1” 193 9 4.57
Konata Mumpfield Pittsburgh 5′ 11” 186 8 1/2 4.6
Kyle Williams WSU 5′ 11” 190 8 3/4 4.4
LaJohntay Wester Colorado 5′ 10” 163 8 5/8 4.47
Nick Nash San Jose State 6′ 3” 203 8 3/4 4.58
Pat Bryant Illinois 6′ 2” 204 9 1/2 4.62
Ricky White III UNLV 6′ 1” 184 9 1/4 4.61
Roc Taylor Memphis 6′ 2” 213 9 4.5
Sam Brown Jr. Miami 6′ 2” 200 9 3/8 4.44
Tai Felton Maryland 6′ 1” 183 9 4.38
Theo Wease Jr. Missouri 6′ 3” 200 9 5/8 4.57
Tory Horton Colorado State 6′ 3” 196 9 4.42
Traeshon Holden Oregon 6′ 2” 205 9 7/8 4.58

 

Syndication: The Indianapolis Star

 Tight Ends

Round 1 – 3 School Height Weight Arm Length 40-yard
Tyler Warren Penn State 6’ 5’’ 256 31 3/4 —
Colston Loveland Michigan 6’ 6’’ 248 32 1/8 —
Elijah Arroyo Miami 6’ 5’’ 250 33 —
Mason Taylor LSU 6’ 5’’ 251 32 1/4 —
Round 4+ School Height Weight Arm   Length 40-yard
Harold Fannin Jr. Bowling Green 6’ 3’’ 241 32 1/4 4.72
Brant Kuithe Utah 6-2 236 31 5/8 —
Bryson Nesbit Notre Dame 6’ 5’’ 238 31 3/4 4.89
CJ Dippre Alabama 6’ 5’’ 256 32 4.7
Gavin Bartholomew Pittsburgh 6’ 5’’ 246 31 3/8 4.71
Gunnar Helm Texas 6-5 241 32 3/4 4.84
Jackson Hawes Georgia Tech 6’ 4’’ 253 32 1/8 4.83
Jake Briningstool Clemson 6’ 5’’ 241 31 1/2 4.75
Jalin Conyers Texas Tech 6’ 3’’ 260 32 1/4 4.75
Joshua Simon South Carolina 6’ 4’’ 239 33 7/8 4.66
Luke Lachey Iowa 6’ 6’’ 251 32 1/8 —
Mitchell Evans Notre Dame 6’ 5’’ 258 31 7/8 4.74
Moliki Matavao UCLA 6’ 6’’ 260 32 1/2 4.82
Oronde Gadsden II Syracuse 6’ 5’’ 243 33 3/8 —
Robbie Ouzts Alabama 6-3 274 31 1/4 4.91
Terrance Ferguson Oregon 6’ 5’’ 247 31 7/8 4.63
Thomas Fidone II Nebraska 6-5 243 34 4.7

 

Penn State superstar Tyler Warren wears 44 for a reason

Penn State tight end Tyler Warren wears the number 44 for a special reason, and it’s one the Washington Commanders will want to hear.

The 2025 NFL draft is 10 weeks away and NFL teams and draft prospects alike are gearing up for the three-day event in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Washington Commanders have the 29th pick in this year’s draft, and speculation abounds over who they will select.

One of the names that has come up in some mock drafts is Tyler Warren, a tight end out of Penn State. He grew up in Mechanicsville, Virginia, and he wears the number 44 for a very special reason:

After telling Warren that he doesn’t think he’ll last until 29 when Washington picks, J.P. Finlay asks Warren about the reason he wears the number 44.

“I actually wore 44 because my dad sat me down when I was first starting football and said, ‘I want you to run the ball like John Riggins.’And he pulled out the YouTube videos of him running it, and that’s where the 44 came from and why I wore it.”

Growing up in Mechanicsville, Warren is a Commanders fan through and through. He is projected to get drafted in the top 15, but even if he falls to 29, he won’t be able to wear his beloved number 44 anymore. When Finlay mentioned that to Warren, he said, “That would be a fine trade-off.”

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Sean Payton had this kind of player with Saints — will he add one with Broncos?

Sean Payton had ‘Joker-type’ players in Jeremy Shockey and Jimmy Graham earlier in his career. Will he now add one to the Broncos’ offense?

During his time with the New Orleans Saints — and during previous stops with other NFL teams — Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton has had what he describes as a “Joker” in his offense.

Following the conclusion of the team’s 2024 season, Payton was asked if he has a “Joker” with the Broncos, and if not, will he add one this offseason?

“Fair question,” Payton said on Jan. 15. “I know how much it can help. It’s not until you don’t have them [that you notice]. I’ve said this before — early on as a coach, when you’re just coaching and you have your players, I remember the selection of Reggie Bush and the owner asking me, ‘Well we already have Deuce McAllister,’ who was a real good running back. I said, ‘Mr. Benson — the late Mr. Benson — this running back’s different. He can do these things.’ We talked about it. It was a good question, but that was the first exposure at this level for me as a head coach.

“We had Tiki Barber when I was at the Giants, he was a Joker-type player. Jeremy Shockey was a Joker-type player. Jason Witten was a Joker-type player early in his career. Then pretty soon, we had Shockey and then Jimmy Graham, and then Darren Sproles, then [Alvin] Kamara, then… I didn’t really appreciate it at the time, but in that stretch, we went through a stretch of 15 or 16 seasons with real, real high-end offenses that maybe didn’t have a receiver get to a Pro Bowl, but those other spots did.

“I think in our league when you look around and you reference… Just take some of the top teams… You’ll always remember [Travis] Kelce with the Chiefs. I don’t know that you’ll remember the receivers sometimes. Maybe through that Super Bowl run, maybe so. Do I think we have some candidates? Yes. That inner triangle of attacking a defense is really important.”

Jaleel McLaughlin might be the closest thing the Broncos currently have to a “Joker,” a versatile player who can line up at multiple spots and make an impact as a receiver, but he’s not at the level of the other players Payton mentioned. Denver could add one during the NFL draft this spring, perhaps with a dynamic running back or a tight end like Penn State’s Tyler Warren.

The Broncos need to add more juice to the offense in 2025, surrounding young quarterback Bo Nix with playmakers in his second season. Perhaps a “Joker” will be added to the squad this spring.

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Broncos have 3 tight ends under contract for 2025 season

The Broncos have three tight ends under contract for the 2025 season. Expect more to be added this spring.

Ahead of NFL free agency in March, the Denver Broncos currently have three tight ends under contract for the 2025 season.

The Broncos have Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins and Thomas Yassmin set to return this spring. Meanwhile, Lucas Krull is set to become an exclusive rights free agent, so it won’t be hard to re-sign him if the team wants to.

After the 2024 season ended, Denver opted to not re-sign veteran Donald Parham, so he’s headed for free agency after spending last year on the Broncos’ practice squad.

Trautman was the team’s No. 1 tight end in 2024, but he didn’t offer much as a receiver, totaling 13 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Adkins is a tight end/fullback hybrid who hauled in 14 catches for 115 yards and three scores.

Krull totaled 19 receptions for 152 yards. Yassmin, an Australian player, spent the 2024 season on the practice squad as part of the NFL’s international player pathway program.

Broncos TEs signed for 2025

  1. TE Adam Trautman (28)
  2. TE Nate Adkins (25)
  3. TE Thomas Yassmin (25)

Sean Payton’s offense could use a playmaker at the position, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Broncos make a splash at tight end in 2025. Penn State tight end Tyler Warren would be a dream pick for Denver in April’s draft. Regardless of whether or not they’re able to land Warren, the Broncos will add multiple tight ends to the roster this offseason.

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Panthers make very bold pick in new NFL.com mock draft

In his first mock draft of the offseason, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein went out on a limb with the Panthers’ first-round pick.

Tight ends usually don’t go too high on NFL draft boards. But this one, at least according to NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein, may be very much worth it for the Carolina Panthers.

Zierlein just pushed out his first set of first-round projections this offseason, and has the Panthers nabbing Penn State standout Tyler Warren with the eighth overall pick.

He writes:

Bryce Young’s turnaround has given life to the Panthers, but he still needs more help. Warren can become the perfect safety blanket for the third-year quarterback.

The Panthers, throughout the entirety of the 2024 campaign, completed passes to four tight ends—three of which are set to hit free agency. That bunch includes Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas and Feleipe Franks—so the offense could be rather light at the spot after this spring.

Warren, who is viewed as the top prospect in a loaded tight end class, will enter the pros as a first-team All-American and a John Mackey Award winner. He finished up his final season at Penn State with a conference-leading 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns.

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2025 NFL draft: Who is the perfect prospect for the Commanders in Round 1?

Who is the perfect prospect for the Commanders in the 2025 NFL draft?

Despite finishing 12-5 in the regular season, winning two playoff games and making it to the NFC championship, the Washington Commanders have multiple needs to address this offseason.

Fortunately for Washington, it has $90 million in salary cap room and seven draft picks. General manager Adam Peters’s primary goals this offseason are to improve the defense and continue to develop more weapons around quarterback Jayden Daniels.

While Washington needs to add a top wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, the Commanders just need more good players. That could also mean another tight end. The 2025 NFL draft is loaded at tight end, and Penn State’s Tyler Warren is at the top of that list.

Pro Football Focus recently named the perfect first-round prospect for all 32 NFL teams. Warren was the pick for the Commanders.

The ageless Zach Ertz has been a useful weapon for Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels this year, as he has contributed 70 catches and seven scores, but Washington would do well to start stockpiling youthful weaponry for its new franchise signal caller.

Tyler Warren has proved to be one of the best physical mismatches in college football this season, amassing 100 receptions for 1,178 yards and eight scores with 63 first downs (before Penn State‘s semifinal matchup against Notre Dame). Warren has also been excellent on contested balls, hauling in 13 of 21 such targets this season.

Even if Zach Ertz returns for one more year, he’s not a long-term solution. The key here is the development of 2024 second-pick Ben Sinnott. How do the Commanders feel about Sinnott? Do they think he could be Ertz’s replacement? The goal is to add the best players. Warren is one of the draft’s top players and unlikely to be around when the Commanders select 29th.

 

2025 NFL draft: Should Saints consider TE Tyler Warren in first round?

The Saints need to start stockpiling talent regardless of position. Should they consider Penn State tight end Tyler Warren in the 2025 NFL draft’s first round?

The New Orleans Saints have holes all around the roster, which means that they will need to spend their resources this offseason. Could they afford to spend a first round pick on a tight end?

There is only one player in this draft that would come close to warranting that high of a selection, Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren.

Warren spent five years in college and didn’t really break out until this past season, but he was good enough to ignore late development. He showed some signs of growth last season, but his senior year was a completely different story.

The versatile tight end had 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. Adding to that, he had 26 rushes for 218 yards and four more scores. He was all over the field for the Nittany Lions and performed well in a number of different roles. There was even a single play in which he both snapped the ball and caught a touchdown.

It has been years since the Saints had a true difference maker at tight end. There is Taysom Hill, but he’s not even close to a traditional player in the role. Warren has a lot of the same role versatility, but is also still built like a normal tight end.

Putting the Nittany Lions product in the same role that Juwan Johnson has held for the last few years could be a recipe for success and finally give a reliable weapon in that spot. Warren needs to grow as a blocker and isn’t the sharpest route runner, but those traits can be developed.

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49ers may look for George Kittle replacement with 1st pick in NFL draft

The star tight recorded 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and 12 total touchdowns on his way to winning college football’s Mackey Award.

Early mock drafts have penned different defensive linemen, offensive linemen and defensive backs to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round. While it’s easy to see the holes on the 49ers roster on both the offensive and defensive line along with the secondary, is there a case for John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to pursue an offensive playmaker with their first pick in the 2025 edition of the draft?

The first round is littered with blue-chip caliber prospects at multiple skill positions, headlined by players like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillian, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Missouri’s Luther Burden and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka.

While each of those players would add a spark to Shanahan’s offense, one player from the 2025 class could be too hard to pass on if he’s available when the 49ers are on the clock, regardless of position.

After a stellar season at Penn State, Tyler Warren emerged as the best tight end in the 2025 draft class. On his way to helping Penn State punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff, Warren exploded for 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdown receptions. Warren added four rushing touchdowns for the Nittany Lions.

On his way to winning the John Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end, Warren showed off a flurry of traits worthy of a top draft pick. At 6-foot-6, 257 lbs, Warren has a large catch radius with the ability to win contested catches with power. In the 2024 season, Warren earned a 93.3 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus.

Warren’s size and power transition well to the run game where his blocking holds up to his ability as a receiver.

Warren’s versatility and ability to line up at multiple positions on the field, including in the backfield at fullback, gives Shanahan another chess piece on the field. Warren could play alongside Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk as he becomes comfortable in the 49ers offense, while also playing outside as a receiver.

The Penn State tight end could potentially help extend Kittle’s prime, taking pressure off as blocker on the edges or as a target for Brock Purdy. The six-time Pro Bowler has missed eight games over his last four seasons. Warren’s addition to the tight end room would give the 49ers depth at the position that they’ve missed.

While there’s absolutely a case for the 49ers bring in a trench player like an offensive lineman or defensive lineman along with a player in the secondary, Warren’s skillset could be enough to catch the eye of Lynch and Shanahan.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Daniel Jeremiah’s first 2025 NFL mock draft has two Penn State stars as top 10 picks

Penn State has two high-profile draft prospects in the 2025 NFL draft, and draft expert Daniel Jeremiah had high praise for them in his first mock draft of the year.

With draft season fully underway, Penn State’s draft prospects are set to begin their journey to the NFL. As usual, coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] has plenty of players who are expected to make the leap to the NFL level. Since he took over the program in 2014, 57 former Nittany Lions have heard their name called in the NFL draft.

That number will grow in 2025 thanks to some impressive prospects, none more so than [autotag]Abdul Carter[/autotag] and [autotag]Tyler Warren[/autotag]. They will both be fixtures in most first-round mock drafts throughout the draft season. NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah recently released his first 2025 mock draft, and he may be higher on the pair than anybody.

Jeremiah had Carter going first overall to the Tennessee Titans, ranking him as his top overall player in the draft. If Carter does indeed get picked first overall, he would be just the third Nittany Lion selected first overall in the NFL draft and the first since Courtney Brown in 2000.

Carter has all the talent required to be in contention for the first pick, even with the Titans in need of help at quarterback help. His blend of speed and power is rare among edge rushers, and the Titans need to prioritize adding difference-makers following a disappointing first season under new coach Brian Callahan.

Warren was mocked to the New York Jets at seventh overall, an interesting landing spot for the massive tight end. If Warren did end up as the Jets selection, it would be two years in a row that they selected a former Penn State player in the first round. Left tackle Olu Fashanu was excellent for them before an injury ended his season, so adding his former teammate could give their struggling offense a big boost.

Many draft analysts thought the Jets were interested in Brock Bowers with their pick last year, but ultimately they passed on him to select Fashanu. While the jury is still out on the young offensive tackle, selecting Warren could give them the best of both worlds in a relatively weak tackle class. Especially with uncertainty at QB, the Jets would benefit from having a safety blanket for whoever ends up under center in 2025.

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