Tyler Warren was the near-consensus top tight end of the 2025 NFL Draft class. However, general manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears saw it differently, choosing Colston Loveland over him with the No. 10 overall pick. We're only a pair of games into the rookies' respective careers, but that decision is aging like milk in the early goings.
Loveland has been limited to a part-time role in Chicago's offense, while Warren has operated as the focal point of the Indianapolis Colts' passing attack. Coaching is a factor in this, yet it also highlights that the talent gap may not be as close as scouts perceived. The numbers thus far suggest that both things aren't mutually exclusive, and they're each true, albeit to varying degrees.
Nevertheless, the moral of the analytical story is that the much-maligned Poles and the Bears are already regretting taking Loveland, knowing Warren was still available. Let's take a look at the players' stats through two weeks:
Colston Loveland's 2025 Stats Through Week 2 | Tyler Warren's 2025 Stats Through Week 2 |
|---|---|
2 receptions (three targets) | 11 receptions (16 targets) |
12 yards | 155 yards |
0.32 yards per route run (YPRR) | 2.82 yards per route run (YPRR) |
4.8 percent first-read target share (1READ %) | 24.5 percent first-read target share (1READ %) |
Colts rookie TE Tyler Warren is quickly making the Bears regret drafting Colston Loveland instead
Warren has been an instant difference-maker for the Colts. His raw counting metrics are wildly similar to Las Vegas Raiders star Brock Bowers' historic inaugural pro campaign through two contests (h/t Jacob Gibbs). He's averaging more yards per reception on 11 grabs (14.1) than Loveland has total receiving yards.
The 2-0 Colts have leaned on Warren as their primary pass-catcher, pacing them in targets, receptions, and yards. He's been a security blanket for quarterback Daniel Jones in the middle of the field. Moreover, Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen has maximized Penn State's versatile skill set, putting him in positions to showcase his after-the-catch ability and toughness.
Meanwhile, Loveland can barely get on the field in Chicago despite generating buzz with a strong training camp performance, let alone playmaking opportunities. It's not like his platoon mate, Cole Kmet, has done anything with his chances; why not give your first-round newcomer a chance to usurp him?
With Warren's instant difference-making efforts, relegating him to the second half of a timeshare with Kmet becomes harder to envision. The alternate universe where Chicago selects the former over Loveland gives them much more positional clarity -- in the short and long term. At this rate, the narrative will continue to heavily favor Indy unless something changes quickly.
Read more: Bears' horrific Ryan Poles gamble has already backfired spectacularly
Chicago let Warren, the 2024 John Mackey Award winner (given to the nation's best tight end), fall into the Colts' lap at No. 14. He looks the part of a franchise cornerstone, regardless of the sample size (or lack thereof). Conversely, Bears fans can't say that about Loveland at the moment.
Note: Stats courtesy of Fantasy Points' data suite ($)