2025 Dynasty Rookie Early Look: Tyler Warren, TE Penn State

Tyler Warren | © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rob Willette Posted On January 14, 2025

Needing to hit the reset button on an offense that had been stagnant for far too long, James Franklin went out and nabbed Andy Kotelnicki from the Kansas Jayhawks to be his new offensive coordinator. One of Kotelnicki’s tenets in year one was simple: get the ball to Tyler Warren as much as humanly possible.

Warren was already a notable NFL prospect, but the new scheme and his further development helped launch him into the round one conversation. As you can see below, Warren is an excellent prospect at the position, and quickly soared to be the consensus TE1 for the 2025 class.

Recruitment

Courtesy of 247Sports.

Warren was originally committed to Virginia Tech before reversing course nine months later and joining James Franklin in Happy Valley. He actually pledged to the Hokies as a quarterback; it was not until later in the recruitment process that schools became open to him operating as a tight end.

The notion of him changing positions opened up his recruitment and brought in some significant interest for the Virginia product. Michigan extended an offer and South Carolina popped up as his only SEC opportunity, but Warren ultimately became a Nittany Lion, becoming the next in Penn State’s tight end pipeline.

Collegiate Career

Courtesy of Sports-Reference.

Tight ends generally take some time to marinate at the collegiate level, and Warren was no different. After catching only 15 passes over his first three seasons, Warren emerged as one of the nation’s best playmakers at the position in 2023, scoring seven times on 34 receptions and 422 yards.

It was merely a tease of what would come in 2024. Warren dominated for the Nittany Lions, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards on 98 receptions. Much like Brock Bowers did at Georgia, Warren got the football on designed runs, adding 197 yards and four scores on the ground. He developed into one of the nation’s most unique weapons, winning the Mackey Award and placing himself firmly in the mix to be selected in April’s first round.

Strengths

Yards after catch ability
Unique athleticism for the position
Comfortable in traffic
Versatility within formation
Undeterred by contact
Willingness as a blocker

Weaknesses

Good athlete but not sudden in tight spaces
Can rely on raw tools as opposed to technique to get open

Draft Value

Courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database.

Tight end can be a difficult position to nail down as far as draft stock is concerned. Despite being widely regarded as one of if not the best player in the 2024 draft, Brock Bowers fell to 13th overall; the positional value is generally just not there. Conversely, everyone’s favorite tight end – Kyle Pitts – went fourth overall just four years ago.

The strength of other positions in each draft class dictates where the first premium player at a non-premium position will go. Last year’s draft was deep at quarterback and receiver, leading to Bowers’ slide. This year’s draft is thin at both positions and deep at positions you often do not see frequently in the top ten. It could lead to Warren coming to close Bowers’ draft slot, even if he is not the same level of prospect. Ultimately, Warren looks like a good bet to go in the back half of Round 1, putting a tight end in the first round for the second straight year after a two-year drought.

Dynasty Outlook

The very top of dynasty tight end rankings features a trio of elite young players. Brock Bowers had a record-setting rookie season. Trey McBride has become a centerpiece of the Arizona offense. Sam LaPorta – despite letting fantasy managers down early in 2024 – is still a gifted young tight end with one big season on his resume. This trio creates a strong top three.

Beyond them, however, the picture is murky. TJ Hockenson is still on the mend from a serious knee injury suffered late in 2023. George Kittle is still producing big numbers, yet many will be deterred by the fact he turns 32 this year. Mark Andrews has lost his dominant target share and Travis Kelce is slowing down as he enters his late 30’s. The position is desperate for more infusion of talent and fortunately, Tyler Warren is capable of stepping in and being a TE1 from day one.

Warren projects as a fringe first-round rookie pick, though many will shy away from a position where standard leagues start only one. He will step into the top ten of dynasty rankings at the tight end position from day one and given we have seen rookies make an impact early recently, he could see his stock continue to rise as we move deeper into 2025. He currently sits at 11th overall and TE in DLF’s rookie rankings, a placement which should hold steady until rookie drafts kick off in early May.