The Indianapolis Colts didn’t make waves when they selected quarterback Riley Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Nor did many expect a rookie tight end to draw so much buzz in June.
But less than two months into the offseason, one of the Colts’ most intriguing storylines isn’t just about upside—it’s about a special connection that could be hugely beneficial for the franchise’s future.
Tyler Warren has already become a standout at Colts camp. The former Penn State star was drafted for his rare versatility—a Swiss Army knife who caught over 100 passes in college, ran for touchdowns at an 8.4 yards-per-carry clip, and even threw a touchdown pass before being selected No. 14 by Indianapolis this offseason.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has called him “super versatile,” noting that unlike most tight ends, Warren’s college tape includes routes, blocks, runs, and most of all— unpredictability.
Warren’s Unexpected Bond With Fellow Colts Rookie
Generational talent aside, Warren has also been establishing early relationships with his teammates, building the chemistry before teams hit training camp in August.
He dished to reporters on Tuesday that he has “grown close” with Leonard, saying the two have built a solid rapport in their NFL journey.
“We work together when we get the new installs…He’s one of my better friends and we help each other and go through stuff the day before,” Warren said.
Leonard, who led Notre Dame to a College Football Playoff championship appearance after transferring from Duke, brings his own pedigree to Indy. He passed for nearly 2,900 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, and added 906 rushing yards and 17 scores on the ground. While Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones headline the depth chart, Leonard’s dual-threat skill set and big-game experience give the Colts a long-term option with real upside.
Warren Will Make A Serious Run At OROY
The rookie QB/TE duo has to wait for everything to unfold, but there’s no questioning the fit down the road. Coaches have praised their communication during reps and their ability to process concepts quickly. That synergy could offer an edge in training camp—and a foundation for a future that stretches beyond 2025.
For Warren, the instant TE1 of the offense, he complements Richardson’s mobility (or Jones’) and gives the Colts flexibility.
While Leonard’s progress throughout OTAs will continue to be monitored with great intrigue, rookie running back DJ Giddens could also pave his way to a co-backfield role with Jonathan Taylor before the 2025 season.
For now, though, the mere fact that Warren and Leonard are off to a strong start in camp is a quiet flicker in the offseason haze — two exciting, young offensive players learning the league, leaning on one another, and maybe, just maybe, laying the first stones of something neither can quite see, but both seem destined to shape.
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