Warren’s trajectory to take on an even bigger role in the Colts’ success in 2026 is clear, both based on how he performed as a rookie and Indianapolis’ roster heading into the campaign.
Warren, the 2025 draft pick at No. 14 overall, was touted as a can’t-miss TE prospect and immediately lived up to the billing. He produced three different outings of 70 or more receiving yards in his first month of games. He scored in every contest from Weeks 4-7, the first TD of the series — and his career — came at the goal line. Warren faded down the stretch, in large part because Jones went down with a torn Achilles in Week 14, but he still managed to lead the Colts in targets (112) while hauling in 76 receptions for 817 yards and four touchdown catches.
The only other Colt with over 100 targets was Michael Pittman, just behind Warren with 111, but he is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. That leaves a lot of passes to spread out, and while Warren can make routes work at any level, he’s especially effective in the type of possession that Pittman excelled at.
Wide receivers Alec Pierce, who signed a big extension in March, and Josh Downs will also be in line for more looks, but the Colts largely stood by after trading Pittman to Pittsburgh. They signed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for depth and waited until the seventh round to draft wide receiver Deion Burks.
With Jones on the mend and another year of chemistry between Warren and his QB, there’s plenty of reason to believe the second-year tight end can improve those chances to go another notch.
The potential was already evident during the offseason program.
“Working on the body and just getting in great physical shape and coming in and out of breaks,” head coach Shane Steichen said of Warren in organized team activities. “He’s played well here in practice in seven-on-seven, some team situations.”
“So, looking for the next steps in his development.'”
Next up for Warren is training camp, and then momentum will build to tangible results in the regular season.