The Dallas Clark comparison is a flattering one for Tyler Warren, but he has all the tools necessary to live up to it
His ability to be a physical blocker, reliable pass-catcher, and versatile offensive weapon makes him one of the most exciting tight end prospects in recent years.
If Warren lands with the right team and continues to develop, he could very well follow in Clark’s footsteps and become a Super Bowl-winning tight end in the NFL.
Tyler Warren’s journey from Atlee High School to becoming one of the best tight ends in college football has been remarkable. His work ethic, skill set, and competitive nature make him an exciting NFL prospect.
With his combination of size, strength, and playmaking ability, Warren has all the tools to thrive in the NFL.
Whether he becomes a dominant pass-catching tight end or an all-around star, one thing is certain—Tyler Warren is a name to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Tyler Warren: From Penn State Standout to NFL Prospect
Tyler Warren had an impressive career with the Penn State Nittany Lions, solidifying himself as one of the top tight ends in college football.1
His final season in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular, helping Penn State reach the semifinals of the new 12-team College Football Playoff while posting a 13-3 record.
Warren’s stellar performances earned him multiple accolades, including the John Mackey Award, First-Team All-American honors, and the Big Ten Tight End of the Year award.
As he prepares for the next chapter in his football journey at the NFL Scouting Combine, Warren has been reflecting on his football career, his inspirations, and his future in professional football.
Breakout Moment
Warren’s senior season saw him emerge as one of the best tight ends in the country. His combination of size, speed, and catching ability made him a go-to option in Penn State’s offense.
Warren recorded 110 receiving yards and a touchdown, helping Penn State secure a crucial victory. He made a game-winning touchdown grab in a dramatic win, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Though Penn State fell short in the semifinals, Warren still managed to post 85 receiving yards and a touchdown against a tough defense.
These standout games solidified his reputation as one of the most dominant tight ends in college football.
Winning the John Mackey Award, given annually to the best tight end in college football, was a major accomplishment for Warren. The award recognized his elite talent, production, and impact on the field.
Warren now joins this prestigious list and hopes to follow in their footsteps at the next level.
Tyler Warren’s Senior Season
A Career-Defining Year
Warren’s final year with Penn State was the best of his college career. He became a focal point of the Nittany Lions’ offense, recording 1,233 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.2
His ability to make big plays in critical moments played a crucial role in the team’s success.
As Penn State made a deep playoff run, Warren consistently delivered clutch performances. His size, athleticism, and reliable hands made him a matchup nightmare for defenders.
The chemistry he developed with his quarterback helped him become one of the most dominant tight ends in the country.
Former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark played a crucial role in helping his team secure victory in Super Bowl XLI. Now, Penn State’s standout tight end Tyler Warren is drawing comparisons to the legendary player.
NFL analyst Trevor Sikkema recently highlighted the similarities between the two, suggesting that Warren possesses a skill set reminiscent of Clark but with added versatility.
The Legacy Behind Tyler Warren’s No. 44 Jersey
During his media availability at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Warren shared an interesting story about why he wore the No. 44 jersey throughout his time at Penn State.
His father was a major influence on his football journey, introducing him to legendary fullback John Riggins. Riggins, who wore No. 44 during his illustrious career, was known for his tough, physical running style.
“I wore No. 44 because when I was younger, my dad put on John Riggins film and said, ‘This is how I want you to run the ball.’”
Although Warren played tight end instead of fullback, he embraced the physical mentality that Riggins displayed throughout his career.
His blocking ability, toughness, and willingness to fight for extra yards showcased the same determination that his father admired in Riggins.
Jeremy Shockey’s Influence on Tyler Warren’s Playing Style
Beyond John Riggins, Warren also drew inspiration from another legendary football player—Jeremy Shockey.3
The former four-time Pro Bowl tight end was one of the most electrifying players at the position during his prime.
Warren spoke about how watching Shockey’s film influenced his approach to the game:
“I think another guy I saw this summer was Jeremy Shockey—the way he played and his mentality running the ball is something I kind of liked.”
Shockey was known for his aggressive playing style, catching passes with authority and fighting through tackles. Warren has modeled parts of his game after Shockey, especially in terms of his toughness after the catch.
Early Years and Development at Penn State
Tyler Warren arrived at Penn State in 2020 as a three-star recruit out of Atlee High School in Virginia. He initially redshirted his freshman year, appearing in just two games.
However, he gradually worked his way up the depth chart and became a key contributor to the Nittany Lions’ offense.
Over five seasons, Warren developed into a complete tight end. He finished his college career with 1,893 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns, proving himself as a reliable target in the passing game and a capable blocker in the run game.
His growth and perseverance allowed him to become one of the top tight end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Trevor Sikkema’s Take on Tyler Warren
During his appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Trevor Sikkema spoke highly of Tyler Warren’s NFL potential.
He emphasized that Warren’s toughness, build, and playing style make him an ideal comparison to Dallas Clark.
“I love the Dallas Clark comparison. Both of these dudes played the position tough as nails. Very similar build to them. I think that Tyler Warren’s even got a little more versatility to him. The way that Penn State leaned into him as their everything in the passing game is unbelievable,” Sikkema stated.
Blocking Ability and Yards After Catch
Sikkema also pointed out Warren’s blocking ability, a crucial skill for a tight end in today’s game.
He mentioned that Warren excels in gaining yards after the catch and possesses exceptional catching strength over the middle, an aspect of tight end play that has become increasingly rare.
“I think it’s the blocking ability for him, the yards after catch, the catching strength over the middle, which I think is becoming a little bit of a dying art,” Sikkema continued. “Tyler Warren is able to do that consistently. So he gives you exactly what you would want from a tight end, and then he gives you a little bit more as well.”
Dallas Clark was a key figure in the Colts’ 2006 Super Bowl-winning season, providing reliable hands, route-running ability, and a strong blocking presence.
Like Clark, Tyler Warren has demonstrated the ability to make plays in both the passing and running games.
Physical Similarities
Both Clark and Warren possess similar builds, making them tough and reliable targets for quarterbacks.
Warren, at 6-foot-6 and 257 pounds, has an ideal frame for a modern-day tight end. Clark, who played at 6-foot-3 and 257 pounds, was a matchup nightmare for defenders during his career.
Clark was known for his ability to operate in the middle of the field, making tough catches in traffic. Warren has displayed similar traits during his time at Penn State, often serving as a safety blanket for his quarterbacks.
His ability to absorb contact and keep moving forward is a skill that will translate well to the NFL.
In the modern NFL, a tight end’s blocking ability is just as important as their pass-catching skills. Clark was an underrated blocker throughout his career, and Warren has shown flashes of being an excellent blocker as well.
This will make him an asset in both run-heavy and pass-heavy offenses.
Tyler Warren’s NFL Draft Stock
Skipping the Scouting Combine
One of the most talked-about aspects of Warren’s draft process was his decision not to participate in workouts and drills at the NFL Scouting Combine.
While some prospects use the combine to boost their stock, Warren opted to rely on his game tape and Pro Day performance to impress scouts.
Many draft analysts believe Warren is the best tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft class. His combination of size, versatility, and football IQ makes him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a dynamic tight end.
Teams that could potentially draft him include:
- Green Bay Packers – They need a reliable tight end to help Jordan Love in the passing game.
- Cincinnati Bengals – With Joe Burrow at quarterback, Warren could provide a consistent middle-of-the-field target.
- Dallas Cowboys – A tight end-friendly offense that would benefit from Warren’s skill set.
- Indianapolis Colts – Could Warren follow in Dallas Clark’s footsteps and become a key part of the Colts’ offense?
This allows offensive coordinators to use him in creative ways, similar to how Dallas Clark was used by the Colts.
Tyler Warren: Promotion
Tyler Warren shared a promotion video sponsored by Planet Fitness and offered $1 down and then $15 a month, with special code FEBFLASH25 through Feb. 4.
View this post on Instagram
A Red-Zone Threat
At 6-foot-6, Warren presents a massive target in the red zone. His ability to win jump-ball situations makes him an ideal player for goal-line situations. Teams that struggle in the red zone could greatly benefit from his presence.
Warren’s blocking ability could allow him to stay on the field in all situations, making him an every-down player.
Some tight ends are primarily pass-catchers, but Warren’s ability to block effectively ensures he will be valuable in both phases of the offense.
While Warren is already a great prospect, he could work on his route-running ability to reach elite NFL levels.
Dallas Clark was known for his crisp route-running skills, which made him a reliable option for Peyton Manning. If Warren can polish his routes, he could become an even greater weapon in the passing game.
One of the underrated qualities that made Dallas Clark great was his leadership. Warren has the potential to become a locker-room leader, which will make him an even more valuable asset to an NFL team.
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