The Indianapolis Colts may have found a new star.
First-round pick Tyler Warren didn’t get that many opportunities to showcase his skills in the preseason, but he didn’t need a lot of playing time to make some noise.
He even caught Rob Gronkowski‘s attention.
In an interview with The Ringer, the legendary tight end had the ultimate compliment for Warren, comparing him to himself.
“There’s a player I really, really like. He was a rookie this year who I thought was going to be the first tight end taken, and it’s Tyler Warren. I watched him in his first preseason game, when he played the first 20 snaps, and he was so good on all levels of the field. He kind of reminded me of myself,” Gronkowski said.
The No. 14 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Warren had three receptions for 40 yards against the Baltimore Ravens.
It wasn’t just his production that turned heads.
He impressed with his physicality, blocking and holding his ground against NFL competition.
He may not be the primary target in his first year.
Quarterback Daniel Jones has plenty of options with wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs.
Warren will have to earn his stripes, but he was projected as the best tight end in this draft class, even if he wasn’t the first one off the board, after the Chicago Bears selected Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall.
Warren will have to pay his dues and contribute with his blocking, but the Colts may have landed a true diamond in the rough.
His next opportunity to impress will come when the Colts host the Miami Dolphins in their season opener.
