Jets and Colts Emerge as Frontrunners to Draft Penn State Tight End Tyler Warren in 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, speculation is heating up around one of college football’s standout talents: Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. According to recent betting odds and insider reports, the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts have emerged as co-favorites to select the versatile playmaker, with DraftKings listing both teams at +180 odds to land him. With the draft just weeks away, set for April 24-26, Warren’s exceptional skill set and the needs of both franchises make this a storyline to watch.

Warren, the 2024 John Mackey Award winner as college football’s top tight end, is coming off a historic season with the Nittany Lions. At 6-foot-6 and 256 pounds, he combines imposing size with remarkable athleticism. Last year, he hauled in an astounding 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns through the air, while adding 218 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. His ability to line up across the formation—whether in-line, in the slot, or even in the backfield—has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like George Kittle and former Colts standout Dallas Clark.

For the New York Jets, who hold the seventh overall pick, Warren represents a potential game-changer for an offense in desperate need of a reliable pass-catching tight end. The Jets’ current tight end room has been a weak spot, and Warren’s blend of receiving prowess and blocking ability could provide a safety valve for their quarterback while opening up the playbook. Sources indicate the Jets are “infatuated” with Warren, with the team reportedly arranging multiple meetings and a private workout with the Penn State star. Analysts suggest that selecting Warren at No. 7 could address a critical need, especially given the weak free-agent market for tight ends this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts, picking at No. 14, are equally intrigued by Warren’s potential to transform their offense. The Colts have lacked a dominant tight end since the days of Dallas Clark, and their current roster offers little in the way of a consistent pass-catching threat at the position. Head coach Shane Steichen has emphasized the importance of a versatile tight end who can impact third downs and complement quarterback Anthony Richardson. Warren fits that mold perfectly, offering a security blanket over the middle and the ability to stretch defenses vertically. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen recently called Warren a “favorite fit” for Indy, likening him to Kittle for his rugged playmaking and run-blocking tenacity.

The question remains: will Warren still be on the board when the Colts pick? Many draft experts rank him as a top-10 prospect, and with teams like the Chicago Bears (No. 10) and Los Angeles Rams also showing interest via private workouts, the Jets might need to pull the trigger early to secure him. If Warren slips past the top 10, the Colts could pounce, though some mock drafts envision a worst-case scenario where both he and Michigan’s Colston Loveland—the draft’s other elite tight end—are gone before Indy’s selection.

Warren’s decision to skip Penn State’s pro day in favor of private workouts with six teams—including the Jets, Colts, Bears, Chargers, Rams, and Saints—only fuels the intrigue. His focus on showcasing his talents to specific suitors suggests a strategic approach to finding the right NFL home. Wherever he lands, Warren’s rare combination of size, speed, and versatility promises to make him an instant contributor.