San Francisco has long searched for a tight end to complement George Kittle.
The San Francisco 49ers are well-equipped to add a top player in the 2025 NFL Draft this offseason, as they currently hold the No. 11 pick following a disappointing 6-11 season.
While they struggled mightily in 2024, the 49ers could be in a unique position to turn things around quickly, as they return a good portion of their core players, while being high enough in the draft to potentially select multiple immediate-impact players over the first few rounds.
The biggest discussion regarding San Francisco’s No. 11 pick has been what position the 49ers could target. Offensive line and defensive line have been the biggest talking points, as the 49ers should have options to take their tackle of the future or beef up their front four on the defensive side, be it at edge or defensive tackle.
However, a wildcard option could be going with a skill-position player for the second consecutive year. Only this time, rather than focusing on the wide receiver position, the 49ers go out and select Penn State Nittany Lions star tight end Tyler Warren.
Warren, perceived as the top tight end in this year’s draft class by a wide range of pundits, had a stellar season at Penn State, serving as their leading receiver and catching 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 218 yards and four scores as well.
At 6’6, 257 pounds, Warren has good athleticism and movement for his size, making him a quality vertical threat at the next level. Many have compared him to Las Vegas Raiders 2024 first-round pick Brock Bowers, who earned All-Pro marks in his first season in the NFL.
He has a knack for finding space in zone coverage and using his athleticism and long strides to get yards after the catch. His run-blocking can be a question mark at times, though, raising a potential fit concern with the 49ers.
While Warren may be considered a reach at No. 11, it’s up to how the 49ers evaluate their No. 2 tight end and how the board ultimately falls. Yes, San Francisco’s tight end room would be more versatile and elevated with Warren in the fold.
But, there are quality options along the trenches that may similarly-ranked talents on San Francisco’s board, while filling a bigger need on the roster.
The 49ers desperately need defensive tackle help, especially with Javon Hargrave also set to be a free agent this upcoming offseason. And they can always use another long-term edge to pair with Nick Bosa.
Offensively, the team has holes at left guard and potentially center, while a tackle of the future still is a big question mark for the 49ers. So, there are definitely other needs out there.
Warren would also likely change the way San Francisco plays offensively, unless he’s used in a slot receiver-esque role like the Buffalo Bills have used Dalton Kincaid at times.
Nonetheless, Warren is a player to think about, and he would fill a hole that San Francisco has failed to fill for quite some time.