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Colts rookie Tyler Warren earns amazing comparison to NFL Hall of Famer at different position

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The Sporting News
Yesterday
Colts rookie Tyler Warren earns amazing comparison to NFL Hall of Famer at different position

Context:

Tyler Warren, a rookie tight end from Penn State, has been drafted by the Indianapolis Colts as the 14th overall pick and is already drawing remarkable comparisons to NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson. Known for his versatility on the field, Warren can both run and throw, making him a unique asset in his draft class. A Colts scout, Chad Henry, recalled scouting Johnson and found similar traits in Warren during a standout game against USC, where he recorded 17 catches for 224 yards. With potential quarterback challenges ahead, the Colts are optimistic about Warren being a key player for the next decade. Although he was the second tight end selected after Colston Loveland, Warren's potential to achieve a career akin to Johnson's is seen as a significant accomplishment.

Dive Deeper:

  • Tyler Warren, drafted by the Indianapolis Colts as the 14th overall pick, is a versatile tight end from Penn State who can both run and throw, making him a standout in his draft class.

  • NFL scout Chad Henry likened Warren to legendary receiver Calvin Johnson, based on his exceptional performance and unique skill set observed during scouting.

  • Warren's game against USC was particularly noteworthy, where he amassed 17 catches for 224 yards, showcasing his potential as a dynamic offensive player.

  • The Indianapolis Colts face potential quarterback issues, but they are confident in Warren's ability to be a cornerstone skill player for the team over the next decade.

  • Despite being the second tight end selected in the draft after Colston Loveland, Warren's potential to reach a career comparable to that of Calvin Johnson is seen as a significant achievement.

  • Chad Henry's comparison to Calvin Johnson stems from a scouting experience where Johnson's performance was so impressive it left a lasting impact, similar to Warren's impact during the Penn State vs. USC game.

  • The Colts are preparing for a future with Warren as a key player, focusing on his unique abilities to elevate the team's performance despite quarterback uncertainties.

  • Tyler Warren has the potential to be one of the best players in his draft class.

  • The tight end from Penn State can also run it and throw it. He's pretty much one-of-a-kind as the No. 14 overall pick to the Indianapolis Colts.

  • Warren is so unique that one NFL scout compared him to one of the greatest pass catchers in league history: Lions legend Calvin Johnson.

  • Here's how the scout, Chad Henry of the Colts, relayed the story to ESPN:

  • Henry flashed back to fall 2006 when he was scouting then-Georgia Tech receiver and future Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson in a game against Virginia Tech.

  • "I scouted him in three plays," Henry said. "He caught a standup screen and outran the Virginia Tech defense for 80 yards. He had a one-handed catch in the end zone on a fade where he made the corner look like a child. And he caught a dig for a first down, got the crap knocked out of him, got up, handed the ball to the ref, went back to huddle.

  • "I said, 'All right, I'm done.'"

  • That, Henry said, is how it felt while watching Warren lead Penn State past USC last October.

  • In that USC game, Warren had 17 catches for 224 yards and also ran for a first down and completed a pass.

  • The Colts might have QB issues to figure out, but they've got their most important skill player for the next decade locked in.

  • Warren was only the second tight end off the board, after Michigan's Colston Loveland went to the Bears at No. 10, but he may quickly make that look silly.

  • And if he has a career like Johnson? That'd be quite the accomplishment.

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