Even with the NFL draft months away, it is never to early to start looking at some of the many prospects that will be future NFL players. There will be more comprehensive profiles completed, and Big Boards assembled as the draft draws closer, especially after the offseason All Star events and NFL Combine are completed, and more tape is studied. However, this preview series will give a brief view at this point to some of some of the popular players we will hear about as potential first or second round picks in April, and if they could be a fit for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Tyler Warren has emerged as slam dunk first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While he is one of the top TE in the country, he might not be the first one selected in April, depending on scheme fit. Warren projects best as a classic In-line “Y” TE, with some ability to flex out as a pass catcher. With his size, and demeanor he is already a good blocker, and with his athleticism he can be used as an H-back to get out and lead block in the running game. With his penchant and nastiness as a blocker, he projects as a true three down TE, but where he shines is in the short to intermediate passing game. He is more quick than fast at the snap, displaying good instincts and route running to create separation off the line and allowing him to get up to top speed in the open field. He is a natural catcher of the football and displays excellent contact balance and power with the ball, making him difficult to tackle at first contact. I think his game compares favorably to Mark Andrews of the Ravens. Warren has the size and power to stay inline and block but has enough athleticism to get out into routes and dominate between the seems 10-20 yards from the LOS.

One area of improvement he can make in his game is his play strength. While he is stout at the POA, he does not always drive defenders into the second level of the defense and can have trouble holding blocks for longer times against big DE/LB. He does have the frame to be able to add some muscle and not sap his athleticism. He can also refine his technique as a blocker, but that will come once he is established in an NFL offense. His size and nastiness are things that can’t be taught.

I expect Warren to 100% have his name called in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, however he might not be the first one taken. There are other Names like Loveland and Fannin who project more as pure pass catching options in the Kelce or Pitts mold, that could be better scheme fits for their respective clubs, but Warren is the best three down TE available in this class. He is a plug and play starter for any team that drafts him.

Warren would be an ideal fit for a Jim Harbaugh Chargers team. He has the size and blocking chops to be a factor in the running game and has the athleticism and route running to be a weapon in the intermediate passing game and red zone. His skill set is the exact type of piece currently missing on the offense. While this looks like a match made in heaven, Harbaugh’s familiarity with another premier TE, Colston Loveland from Michigan, could be a determining factor come April if TE is the position of choice in round one.