NFL Draft Shock: What If Penn State’s Top Tight End Goes Undrafted?

The 2025 NFL Draft, hosted in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is fast approaching, and the Green Bay Packers are gearing up to bolster their roster. Among the prospects generating buzz is Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, a versatile and dynamic player projected as a first-round pick. However, with the unpredictability of the draft, there’s always a chance a top talent like Warren could slide. If Warren goes undrafted or becomes available as an undrafted free agent (UDFA), would he be a suitable fit for the Packers? This article explores Warren’s skill set, the Packers’ roster needs, and the potential impact of signing him as a UDFA.

Tyler Warren: A Premier Tight End Prospect

Tyler Warren has emerged as one of the top tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft class. At 6’6” and 260 pounds, Warren possesses the size, athleticism, and versatility that make him a matchup nightmare for defenses. His college career at Penn State showcased his ability to contribute as both a receiver and a blocker, making him a well-rounded prospect. According to NFL.com, Warren’s combine performance and film highlight his exceptional hands, route-running savvy, and ability to gain yards after the catch. His high school background as a quarterback also adds a unique dimension, allowing him to read defenses and execute trick plays, as noted by NBC Sports.

Warren’s draft stock places him as a likely first-round pick, with some mock drafts projecting him to teams like the New York Jets (No. 7) or the Chicago Bears (No. 10). His decision to decline an invitation to attend the draft in Green Bay to spend time with family underscores his grounded character, a trait valued by NFL teams. However, if Warren unexpectedly falls out of the draft entirely—a rare but not impossible scenario—his availability as a UDFA would be a golden opportunity for a team like the Packers.

The Packers’ Tight End Situation

To assess Warren’s fit, we must first examine the Packers’ current tight end roster. In 2024, the Packers relied heavily on second-year tight end Tucker Kraft, who emerged as a reliable target for quarterback Jordan Love. Kraft’s combination of receiving ability and blocking prowess has made him a cornerstone of the offense. Veteran tight end Luke Musgrave, a 2023 second-round pick, complements Kraft but has been inconsistent due to injuries and limited production. Beyond these two, the Packers lack depth at the position, with no other tight end on the roster commanding significant snaps.

The Athletic has noted that pairing Warren with Kraft could create a formidable “1-2 punch” at tight end, allowing the Packers to exploit mismatches in the passing game while maintaining a strong run-blocking presence. Green Bay’s offensive coordinator, Adam Stenavich, favors 12-personnel formations (two tight ends), which would maximize Warren’s skill set alongside Kraft. If Warren were available as a UDFA, he could immediately compete for a roster spot and provide depth, with the potential to develop into a starter.

Why Warren Might Go Undrafted

While it’s highly unlikely for a player of Warren’s caliber to go undrafted, several factors could contribute to a slide. First, the 2025 draft is deep at tight end, with Michigan’s Colston Loveland also projected as a first-round talent. Teams prioritizing other positions, such as quarterback or offensive tackle, might pass on tight ends early, causing Warren to fall. Additionally, teams may have concerns about Warren’s speed compared to smaller, faster receiving threats or his blocking technique against NFL-level edge rushers. If teams overanalyze these perceived weaknesses, Warren could slip through the cracks.

Another factor is the draft’s unpredictable nature. As seen in past years, highly touted prospects like quarterback Malik Willis (a 2022 third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans) have fallen due to team preferences or unexpected runs on other positions. If Warren falls out of the draft entirely, the Packers, with their history of finding value in UDFAs, could capitalize.

The Packers’ UDFA Track Record

The Green Bay Packers have a storied history of success with undrafted free agents. According to Acme Packing Company, the Packers signed several impactful UDFAs in 2024, including offensive lineman Donovan Jennings, who received a $110,000 guarantee—an unusually high amount for a UDFA. This demonstrates general manager Brian Gutekunst’s willingness to invest in undrafted talent. Historically, players like running back Tyler Goodson and long-snapper Matt Bowden have made the roster or practice squad as UDFAs, contributing to the team’s depth.

The Packers’ scouting department excels at identifying players who fit their system, particularly those with high upside at premium positions. Warren’s versatility as a tight end aligns with Gutekunst’s draft philosophy of selecting athletic, multi-faceted players who can contribute in multiple roles. If Warren becomes a UDFA, the Packers could offer him a competitive signing bonus and a clear path to playing time, making Green Bay an attractive destination.

How Warren Fits in Green Bay

Warren’s skill set is tailor-made for the Packers’ offensive scheme. Head coach Matt LaFleur emphasizes a balanced attack that combines a strong running game with play-action passing. Warren’s ability to block in-line or on the move would support running backs Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd, while his receiving skills would give Jordan Love another weapon in the passing game. His experience as a high school quarterback could also be utilized in creative play designs, such as direct snaps or option plays, as suggested by NBC Sports.

Moreover, Warren’s size and catch radius would complement the Packers’ receiving corps, which includes young talents like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed. While the Packers are projected to target a wide receiver in the first round (e.g., Texas’ Matthew Golden in some mock drafts), adding Warren as a UDFA would provide a cost-effective way to enhance the passing game without expending draft capital.

Defensively, the Packers are transitioning to a 4-3 scheme under coordinator Jeff Hafley, which may require additional draft focus on defensive linemen or edge rushers. By addressing offensive needs through UDFAs like Warren, Gutekunst could allocate premium picks to bolster the defense, addressing needs at defensive tackle or cornerback, as noted by The Athletic.

Challenges and Risks

Despite the potential fit, there are risks to signing Warren as a UDFA. First, competition for top UDFAs is fierce, with all 32 NFL teams vying for the best undrafted talent. The Packers would need to offer a substantial signing bonus and a clear role to outbid other teams. Additionally, Warren’s adjustment to the NFL could take time, particularly in refining his blocking technique against professional defensive ends. If Musgrave or Kraft suffer injuries, Warren might be thrust into a larger role sooner than expected, which could expose any rookie growing pains.

Furthermore, the Packers’ roster is relatively young and talented, with only seven open spots on the 90-man roster after the 2024 draft. Warren would need to outperform other UDFAs and low-round picks to secure a spot, a challenge given Green Bay’s depth at other positions.