Bio Nix is in control of the Denver Broncos’ offense. With head coach Sean Payton, who trusts him to lead and knows how to make effective play calls, Nix has a top wide receiver and several solid options at WR2 and running back. However, he lacks a tight end who can consistently take advantage of mismatches in opposing defenses.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler expects that to change. Brugler predicts the Broncos will draft Penn State tight end Tyler Warren in the 2025 draft. “Denver should focus on further strengthening its roster around its rookie quarterback,” Brugler wrote on December 4. “Warren, a more athletic and versatile version of current Broncos tight end Adam Trautman, fits the mold of a Sean Payton-type tight end. He can play both inline and in the ‘F’ role, which would broaden the Broncos’ playbook.” Warren is a fifth-year senior who has recorded 81 receptions for 978 yards and 6 touchdowns for the Nittany Lions this season, playing in 12 games. Over his college career, the physically imposing pass catcher has accumulated 130 catches for 1,574 yards and 17 touchdowns. Brugler predicts the Broncos will select Warren with the No. 23 overall pick, implying they are expected to make the playoffs. However, Warren may be off the board by that time.
Tyler Warren May Be the ‘Ideal Fit’ for the Broncos
The Broncos are still near the bottom of the league in tight end receiving production, ranking 30th with just 356 yards,” The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider wrote on December 5. “They released 2022 third-round pick Greg Dulcich last month, failing to uncover the ‘Joker’ traits that Payton highly values at the position.” Payton strongly believed in Dulcich’s talent, but Trautman and Lucas Krull moved ahead of him on the depth chart.
Despite their relatively modest performance, Kosmider points out that the group has not been a “disappointment.”
“That’s not to say Denver’s tight end group has been a letdown. They’ve played a significant role in the protection scheme, which has helped Nix improve in the pocket, and they’ve also contributed on special teams. However, the Broncos currently lack a true pass-catching threat at the position.”
Payton really thought Dulcich had a gift. However, he was surpassed on the depth chart by Trautman and Lucas Krull.
Kosmider says the ensemble has not been a “disappointment” despite their lackluster performance.
This is not to argue that Denver’s tight end corps has fallen short. Nix has been able to play important roles on special teams and improve in the pocket thanks in large part to a protection strategy. However, the Broncos do not currently have a pass-catching threat at the position.
Finding a dynamic pass-catching threat to exploit the seams could greatly enhance Nix’s performance and benefit the Broncos.
Kosmider noted that Warren “appears to be a perfect fit.”
“Ending the first night of the draft with a versatile tight end who could bring fresh elements to Payton’s offense around Nix seems like an ideal outcome,” Kosmider wrote. “But for Broncos fans, it’s the playoff scenarios that are sparking more lively discussions for the first time in a long while.” The Broncos selected Nix with the No. 12 overall pick, but Payton was also interested in Brock Bowers, a potential answer to their current issue, who was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders just one pick later.
Payton’s description of the rookie closely resembled Brugler’s profile of Warren.
“He’s mobile. He can play outside, run a route tree, maybe in a way that most tight ends can’t,” Payton told reporters on November 20.
“We see that with the player in Detroit [Sam LaPorta], obviously with [Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis] Kelce, and with [San Francisco 49ers tight end George] Kittle. That’s a weapon. It’s a bit more challenging when they’re playing tight end rather than lined up as a wide receiver.” “It’s difficult to say he’ll always be in one specific spot on the field,” Payton told reporters on November 24. “He’s a true joker tight end, and when you have one, there’s nothing better because it sometimes involves interior players, not just those on the outside.”
Warren could quickly rise up draft boards if he performs similarly to his Raiders counterpart.
In his preseason mock draft, ESPN’s Matt Miller had Bowers going No. 17 overall to the Houston Texans.
He was eventually selected four spots earlier, partly due to the teams ahead of the Texans not having a pressing need for the position. As of Thursday Night Football in Week 14, Bowers leads the NFL in receptions.
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