STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — When asked why he tops the list of tight ends in this year’s NFL Draft, Tyler Warren didn’t come armed with a dazzling speech or any flashy talking points.
“That’s really not my focus,” Warren mentioned at Penn State’s pro day on Friday. “I’m just here to be a team player, ready to step in, do my job, and help the team come out on top.”
If he wanted, Warren could have easily rattled off his impressive achievements. He nabbed the Mackey Award, recognizing him as the nation’s premier tight end. He had standout moments as a wildcat quarterback and delivered clutch receptions that made him a prime target at Penn State. Let’s not forget the USC game, where he snapped the ball, raced downfield, and nailed a touchdown over a defender — all within a single play.
From the NFL Scouting Combine and beyond, teams have been curious about these memorable instances. Yet, Warren remains modest, preferring not to dwell on his personal accolades.
“Talking all about yourself feels a bit strange,” he admitted. “You’ve got to be a bit self-centered, at least for a while, until you’re on a team. It’s been an adjustment, but I aim to stay true to who I was here.”
While making his way around Holuba Hall on Friday, Warren spent his time cheering on teammates. This marked the first occasion for many to reunite since their season ended in Miami, following the loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Opting not to participate in pro day, Warren joined edge rusher Abdul Carter on the sidelines; Carter, a likely top-five draft choice, skipped due to his recovery from a shoulder injury sustained during the Fiesta Bowl. Carter, who had dinner with the Browns’ personnel just the night prior, stated he’s inching close to being fully fit.
Amidst the buzz around Carter, his family, and agent Drew Rosenhaus, Warren casually relaxed beside his buddy and former Penn State teammate, Pat Freiermuth. Deciding against taking risks just weeks before the draft, Warren seems to be comfortably secure in his first-round status based on his impressive performance from last season.
“There are still plenty of other ways to showcase what I can do,” Warren pointed out. “Meetings and Zoom calls offer a lot of chances.”
Sporting a well-loved Penn State cap pulled low over his flowing blond hair, Warren shared light-hearted conversations with Freiermuth, a pattern familiar since Warren’s arrival at Penn State. Back when Freiermuth was embarking on his final season and Warren, transitioning from quarterback to tight end, was just finding his stride. Neither foresaw that their tight end group would churn out four NFL draft picks, with Warren emerging as the jewel.
“Honestly, he’s the most exceptional tight end Penn State’s produced,” Freiermuth remarked. “His knack for contested catches is unmatched, and quarterbacks love that reliability. Even when covered, he’s open. He’s proven he’s versatile. I couldn’t be more thrilled for him.”
In a tweet, the Big Ten Football account captured a heartwarming moment of these legendary tight ends at Penn State’s Pro Day, creating a buzz among fans and media alike.
Warren is poised to potentially be the first Penn State tight end drafted in the top 10 since Kyle Brady was picked by the New York Jets in 1995. Having two talents picked early in the first round could be yet another accolade for James Franklin. As draft day approaches, Warren is still deciding between celebrating in Green Bay or opting for a more low-key gathering back in Virginia with family.
With Warren’s imminent draft, it adds to the stretch of successful Penn State tight ends — including Freiermuth, Brenton Strange, and Theo Johnson — who all moved to the NFL in recent years. Freiermuth mentioned that prospective recruits often query if they’ll get to play as Warren did.
He’s quick to highlight that not many have the unique skill set Warren possesses or their coaching staff’s trust to confidently hand them multiple roles from snapping, punting, and quarterbacking, along with being a tight end.
Simply put, players like Warren don’t come around often.
“He’ll fit into any system,” Freiermuth shared. “Whether it’s man coverage or zone, he’s spot-on. Plus, he’s a superb blocker. It’s the kind of selection that makes offensive coordinators eager. He’s a complete package. Selecting him is a no-brainer.”
Given this, it’s clear that whoever secures Warren is in for a rare and rewarding pick.
