Is Tyler Warren TE1 In 2025 NFL Draft?

Penn State tight end Tyler Warren was fantastic throughout Tuesday's 31-14 Fiesta Bowl victory over Boise State. Warren was unstoppable, recording six receptions for 63 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Nittany Lions standout is inching toward confirming his status as the best tight end available in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Warren opened the scoring midway through the first quarter. Facing 2nd-and-10 from the 11-yard line, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar had ample time in a clean pocket from a play-action concept. Allar eventually located Warren in the back of the end zone, who did an outstanding job keeping his feet in bounds and completing the catch through contact.

Warren struck again in the third quarter mere minutes after Boise State pulled within three. Allar gave Warren a one-on-one opportunity on 3rd-and-11 from the 13-yard line. The playmaking pass-catcher made a highlight-reel-worthy leaping grab, showcasing his ability to high-point the football with a defender draped all over him.

Warren has largely been considered the second-best tight end in the upcoming 2025 class throughout the early portion of this pre-draft process. Michigan's Colston Loveland has been the season-long favorite to be the first tight end drafted during April's festivities. It's time to admit that the narrative deserves to swing in Warren's favor following Tuesday's breathtaking performance.

Loveland did not meet expectations this season, recording 56 receptions for 582 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He totaled fewer receiving yards in 2024 than in 2023 while averaging four fewer yards per catch (10.4 versus 14.4). It's undeniable that Michigan's anemic passing attack held Loveland back this year, but at some point, the tangible production has to factor into this conversation.

Warren has been far more impactful and he's now producing on the biggest stage, the College Football Playoff. The Mechanicsville, Virginia native has accumulated 98 receptions for 1,158 yards and eight touchdowns… and counting. Warren and his surging Nittany Lions are awaiting the victor of Georgia-Notre Dame in the next round.

The upcoming tight end class is looking phenomenal. Bowling Green's Harold Fannin Jr. recently declared for the 2025 NFL Draft as well. Fannin Jr., who set the FBS single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end this year with 1,555, also projects as a potential top-64 overall selection. As good as the class is shaping up to be, Warren is currently distancing himself from the competition.

Warren is a high-level athlete and route-runner with well-developed hands at the catch point. He's an open-field threat to create yards-after-catch opportunities for himself. Warren is extremely confident in traffic, as highlighted by his second receiving touchdown on Tuesday. He's physical and versatile, all traits which were highlighted throughout his four-quarter showcase versus Boise State.

Warren is ascending to the top of the tight end class in the 2025 NFL Draft. The College Football Playoff will continue serving as a springboard for his pre-draft stock as he attaches a jetpack to his reputation. Warren is a top-32 overall talent who projects to make an immediate impact.