Tyler Warren’s ability to make plays in the Indianapolis Colts’ passing game is what is going to garner a lot of attention, and understandably so. That’s an element at the tight end position that hasn’t often been present in this offense.
So far, through nearly two weeks of training camp practices, we’ve already seen the impact that Warren can have in that phase of the game. However, because of his versatility, there are a number of different ways that he can leave his mark on the offense.
“As we evaluate how to use any young player,” said offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, “we’re going to let them play to their strengths, and he’s so versatile, he does so many things so well. But you also want to be careful not to throw too much on a rookie. He’s doing a great job of handling what we’re asking right now, and this time of training camp, we sort of put in the whole offense, so it is a lot for guys mentally to work through, making sure they know all the details of their job.”
During Warren’s college career at Penn State, he lined up across the formation from in-line like a traditional tight end, to the slot, outwide, and even in the backfield.
To go along with his pass-catching prowess, Warren is also a very capable blocker in the run game.
When an offense has a tight end who can impact the game in so many ways, it adds some unpredictability to that unit. Defenses can’t easily get a beat on what’s coming with the tight end able to fill a wide range of roles.
This then not only creates opportunities for the tight end to exploit, but for fellow pass-catchers and the run game as well.
While Warren can shoulder a large number of responsibilities, as Cooter explains, there will be a progression to ensure he gets comfortable with what’s asked of him before the Colts put more on his plate.
“When you move around the multiple roles, multiple spots within every play in a highly detailed manner, so it’s something we’re being really conscious of,” Cooter added. “But at the same time, he’s a young man that can do a lot of things well, and we’re going to let him try some of those things and see what can help us for the season.
“So as we’re going through camp, we’re mixing him in and out of different roles, different spots, different assignments, and seeing how he handles it, and he’s been doing a great job.”
