Penn State star TE Tyler Warren declares for draft

Field Level Media|published: Tue 14th January, 24:17 2025

Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Boise State Broncos during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 31, 2024.

Penn State's Tyler Warren, this season's Mackey Award winner as the top tight end in the nation, is headed to the NFL draft.

The senior declared Monday night that he is forgoing his remaining year of college eligibility to turn pro. Pro Football Focus lists him as the No. 1-rated tight end prospect and the 13th overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN has him at No. 1 among tight ends, No. 12 overall.

Warren posted on social media, "Penn State gave me the opportunity to compete, learn and be surrounded by outstanding men and women who have had such a large impact on my life.

"To my teammates, I'm thankful for every practice, workout and game I stood alongside you all. To the fans and Penn State community, thank you for your support, I will always be proud to be a Nittany Lion."

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In the 2024 season, Warren tied for second in the nation with 104 receptions and was sixth with 1,233 receiving yards. He caught eight touchdown passes. Warren also ran 26 times for 218 yards and four scores and threw a touchdown pass while completing 3 of 6 passes for 35 yards.

Rookie tight ends have turned in some eye-popping numbers in recent seasons, with the Las Vegas Raiders' Brock Bowers setting records for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,194) and most receptions by a rookie at any position (112). In 2023, then-rookie Sam LaPorta had 86 receptions for the Detroit Lions, which established a mark for rookie tight ends. Bowers surpassed that figure in Week 14 this season.

--Field Level Media