Bo Nix has solidified his role as the leader of the Denver Broncos’ offense. With head coach Sean Payton crafting effective play calls, a standout No. 1 wide receiver, and depth at running back and secondary receiver positions, one glaring void remains—a tight end capable of exploiting mismatches against opposing defenses.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic predicts this issue could soon be resolved. In his latest projection, Brugler has the Broncos selecting Penn State tight end Tyler Warren with the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“Denver would be wise to continue upgrading around its rookie quarterback,” Brugler stated. “Warren offers a more athletic and versatile option than current Broncos tight end Adam Trautman. His ability to play inline or in the ‘F’ role aligns perfectly with Sean Payton’s offensive vision, adding depth and creativity to the playbook.”
Tyler Warren: A Promising Fit for Denver
Warren, a fifth-year senior at Penn State, has posted an impressive 81 receptions for 978 yards and six touchdowns in just 12 games this season. His collegiate career stats boast a 130-1,574-17 line, highlighting his reliability as a big-bodied pass-catcher.
The Broncos’ tight end production currently ranks near the bottom of the league, with only 356 receiving yards this season (30th overall). According to The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider, Warren could be the game-changer the team needs to elevate its offense and enhance Nix’s development.
Why the Broncos Need Warren
While Denver’s current tight end group—led by Trautman and Lucas Krull—has contributed to protection schemes and special teams, it lacks a dynamic pass-catching presence. Payton’s initial optimism for former third-round pick Greg Dulcich waned, as he was recently released after failing to fulfill the “Joker” traits Payton highly values in a tight end.
Kosmider describes Warren as an ideal solution: “He could add new elements to Payton’s offense, creating a more versatile attack around Nix.”
The Missed Opportunity of Brock Bowers
The Broncos’ decision to draft Bo Nix at No. 12 left Brock Bowers, another highly regarded tight end prospect, to be scooped up by the Raiders one pick later. Payton previously praised Bowers as a “true Joker tight end” capable of significantly enhancing any offense, likening him to NFL stars like Travis Kelce and George Kittle.
If Warren proves to possess even a fraction of Bowers’ talent, he could climb draft boards rapidly, potentially becoming a key addition for Denver’s playoff aspirations.
With the playoffs now a tangible discussion for Broncos fans, securing a versatile playmaker like Warren in the draft could be the missing piece to complete Payton’s offensive puzzle.
