Who would have guessed that in Penn State football’s 2024 home opener, PSU would host the nation’s lone Consensus All-American?
Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. posted 11 receptions for 137 yards receiving and a touchdown reception against a reeling Penn State defense that had just lost star safety Kevin Winston Jr. It was a tight end duel that day. Tyler Warren finished with eight receptions for 146 yards. More importantly Penn State walked away with a slim 34-27 win.
When it came time to vote for 2024 All-Americans, I did my part as a member of the FWAA selecting Warren on their team. Somehow the coaches in the AFCA missed on Warren, one of the outlets that comprise the Consensus All-American designation by the NCAA.
Many felt going into the 2025 NFL Draft, Warren should be the top tight end selected. I even wrote the destination where the top tight end should land, being the Chicago Bears at No. 10.
It wasn’t that I had anything against Cole Kmet, but I don’t feel Kmet has the pedigree to be the No. 1 tight end in new head coach Ben Johnson’s scheme, let alone compliment quarterback Caleb Williams and receivers Rome Odunze and DJ Moore as well.
I thought Johnson would take Warren and leverage his flexibility like he did in Detroit with Sam LaPorta. I was half right on my prediction.
The Bears indeed went tight end but opted for Michigan’s Colston Loveland.
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now
Warren avoided a “Shedeur Slide” himself with the Indianapolis Colts selecting him No. 14 overall, the third highest Penn State tight end selected behind Kyle Brady (1995 No. 9 overall) and Ted Kwalick (1969 No. 7 overall).
The good news is Warren is a much needed safety valve for either the developing Anthony Richardson, who was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, or veteran Daniel Jones, who was the much maligned heir to Eli Manning in New York but never really had a supporting cast.
As we all heard from James Franklin last season, Warren was as complete a tight end as any in America and could do little things like setting the edge and blocking as good as any. Indianapolis will look to use that aspect to help Richardson execute their version of the spread or help spring Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor loose.
The Colts last season finished last in the NFL in targeting tight ends and receptions by tight ends with Kylen Granson leading the way with 14 receptions.
I get that Nittany Nation wanted Warren to get that recognition as the top tight end drafted, even Warren would have liked to have it. But the guy I got to know covering him last season is he sees the big picture. He got drafted and has an opportunity to be a difference maker, Warren relishes that opportunity.
It’s okay to feel bummed, but it is Chicago’s loss.
