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Tyler Warren’s versatility could fit Saints in NFL Draft

Apr 6, 2025 | 9:44 AM

By Ross Jackson

There are always varying ways in which players rank in their respective position groups for the NFL Draft and this year’s tight end class is no different. 

It may be a surprise to some, but reportedly Penn State tight end Tyler Warren isn’t considered the top player in his role by all NFL teams. 

Per Tony Pauline of SportsKeeda, some teams have Warren as the No. 2 tight end, presumably behind Michigan’s Colston Loveland. The two are often in the conversation when the top of the group is under consideration. 

Some draft analysts also have Loveland ranked over Warren, as well. 

NFL Draft Impact

These big boards have some impact for the New Orleans Saints’ draft. Especially if they are interested in Warren as chatter over the NFL Scouting Combine weekend suggested. 

For instance, if the New York Jets, who are also a candidate to select Warren with their No. 7 overall draft pick, see Loveland as their top tight end, that clears the path for Warren to the Saints at No. 9. 

But if the Saints don’t have Warren as their top player at the position, it would make it very likely that they would look to grab another impact player elsewhere. 

It’s an interesting exercise in draft scenarios. But why teams would rank Loveland over Warren is another part of the conversation. 

Warren’s Versatility

Warren’s 2024 was remarkable. He contributed all over the offense and helped to keep the Nittany Lions team afloat through a deep college football playoff run. 

Meanwhile, Loveland was constantly working his way open as a route runner and making plays without being a focus in the Wolverines offense. For the most part, the Michigan prospect looks to be viewed as a more traditional tight end, which could propel him above Warren who may be discounted as gimmicky by some teams. 

The Saints have a history of maximizing versatile players on offense. Do-it-all weapon Taysom Hill is often brought up in Warren conversations because the Penn State player also took snaps as a wildcat quarterback and out of the backfield. 

But a better comparison, strictly from a deployment standpoint, may be Saints legend Jimmy Graham. 

Warren’s versatility isn’t limited to him being a gimmick out of the backfield or at quarterback. He moves around the same way a traditional tight end does, as well. 

2024 Tyler Warren Alignment (Loveland 2023)

  • 916 total offensive snaps (617)
  • Inline rate: 45.2% (45.9%)
  • Slot rate: 32% (33%)
  • Wide rate: 10.2% (12.3%)

2011 Jimmy Graham Alignment

  • 924 total offensive snaps
  • Inline rate: 47.4%
  • Slot rate: 33.5%
  • Wide rate: 17.6%

Graham, of course, had been in the Saints’ system for a year before he exploded on the scene in 2011. But it’s not hard to envision pivoting some of Warren’s backfield snaps into more inline, slot and out wide opportunities. 

The differences between the two draft prospects from typical tight end alignments are similar. Because Loveland played only 10 games last season, his 2023 campaign offers a more accurate comparison in terms of snap count.

Production Comparison

From a production standpoint, Warren is far-and-away the more impactful prospect. However, had Loveland been as big a focus for Michigan as his counterpart was, perhaps that gap would narrow. 

Warren’s 2024 Receiving Stats (16 games)

  • 104 receptions (6.5 per game)
  • 1,233 receiving yards (77.1 per game)
  • 8 touchdown catches (.5 per game)

Loveland’s 2024 Receiving Stats (10 games)

  • 56 receptions (5.6 per game)
  • 582 receiving yards (58.2 per game)
  • 5 touchdown catches (.5 per game)

Both are willing blockers, neither of which a team would want one-on-one with an NFL edge rusher. 

There’s a bit of a gap in per game production in volume stats, but scoring potential was the same as a receiver in 2024. The added value of Warren’s additional versatility could help to set him apart. But many teams may not have such principles as a part of their offense. 

Perhaps that’s where the Saints are the best fit for Warren.

New Orleans is reportedly set to be present for Warren’s private workout later this month. 

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