With the 2025 NFL Draft set for this Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs are facing a pivotal decision.
Sitting at the 31st overall pick, the reigning AFC champions could stay put and select a promising player, or make a bold move up the draft board in search of a long-term difference-maker.
Chiefs hoping to land Tyler Warren
One name generating buzz as a potential target is Penn State’s standout tight end Tyler Warren.
Veteran tight end Travis Kelce has been the cornerstone of Kansas City’s offense for years, but age and recent performance have raised questions about the future.
Despite returning for the upcoming season, Kelce, 35, posted his lowest yardage total since his rookie campaign and publicly admitted to contemplating retirement.
With speculation swirling about a future in entertainment, the Chiefs may be wise to act proactively in the draft.
Enter Tyler Warren, widely considered the top tight end prospect in this year’s class.
At 6-foot-6 and 261 pounds, Warren brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility.
A former high school quarterback turned elite pass-catcher, he racked up over 1,200 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns last season.
Warren’s ability to line up in multiple positions, contribute in the screen game, and make plays after the catch makes him an ideal fit in Andy Reid’s creative offense.
Analyst Lou Scataglia recently proposed a scenario where the Chiefs trade up 20 spots with the San Francisco 49ers to select Warren at No. 11.
While speculative, it’s not out of character for general manager Brett Veach, who has never shied away from aggressive moves in the draft.
Warren’s statistical profile stands out just as much as his physical tools.
He posted a 75% contested catch rate and averaged nearly seven yards after the catch in 2024, all while showing strong ball security with a drop rate of just 1.3%.
With two years of starting experience and a deep understanding of the game, especially against zone coverage, he appears ready to contribute immediately.
If the Chiefs do make a move to draft Warren, it wouldn’t just prepare them for life after Kelce, it might also give Patrick Mahomes another dynamic weapon in the short term.
With limited flexibility in free agency, the draft remains Kansas City’s best path forward.
Whether Veach is ready to pull the trigger remains to be seen, but the interest in Warren signals a forward-thinking strategy from the Chiefs’ front office.
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