In Indianapolis, a young football talent named Tyler Warren stands out, donning the number 44. His choice to wear this number is a tribute to a Jets legend from days gone by. Warren’s father, eager to inspire him, introduced Tyler to the running style of John Riggins, a formidable force for the Jets and later Washington.
“I chose 44 because my dad showed me John Riggins’ tapes and said, ‘This is how I want you to run,'” Warren shared during the NFL Scouting Combine.
While Warren didn’t follow Riggins’ path as a power back, he’s forged his own impressive journey. Now, he’s catching the eye of scouts as the leading tight end prospect in this year’s draft, with the Jets considering him for their No. 7 pick. If things go as planned, he might don Riggins’ iconic number in New York.
The Jets initially bypassed drafting tight end Brock Bowers last year despite a flurry of speculation. They instead picked tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick, who showed substantial promise in his rookie season. However, Bowers went to the Raiders shortly after the Jets’ selection and delivered an outstanding performance, leaving some to question the Jets’ decision.
A renewed need for a skilled tight end has emerged, especially with Tyler Conklin heading to free agency and Jeremy Ruckert appearing to be more suited as a backup. Warren could fill this gap seamlessly, offering new head coach Aaron Glenn and his yet-to-be-named quarterback a vital offensive tool.
Warren emphasized his versatility on Thursday, asserting, “I see myself as a tight end who can take on various roles. I find it exciting because the position offers a chance to be involved in multiple aspects of the offense, and that’s something I aim to excel in.”
Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah from the NFL Network ranks Warren as his top tight end and one of the elite players in the draft overall. Jeremiah remarks on Warren’s impressive size and physicality, describing him as “a walking billboard down the seam” with an extensive catch radius. He praises Warren’s ability to power through opponents with the ball in his hands, noting how versatile he is on the field.
Jeremiah likens Warren’s playing style to the robust, physical approach pioneered by Rob Gronkowski, in contrast to the more finesse-based style of Travis Kelce—a goliath on the move who challenges defenders head-on.
Warren himself is inspired by another football titan, Jeremy Shockey, aiming to mirror his aggressive playstyle. Watching Shockey’s old tapes last summer, Warren admired his assertiveness, particularly when carrying the ball.
Some Jets fans might be hesitant, recalling the selection of Penn State’s Kyle Brady back in 1995. Yet, the experts hold Warren in high regard, predicting he could be an excellent offensive ally alongside receiver Garrett Wilson.
When asked about his mentality, Warren expressed a strong team-first attitude, stating: “The team’s success is bigger than any individual accomplishments. That’s what I cherish about football—serving the team and contributing however I can. That’s the message I’ve been conveying in my discussions with teams.”
