Why Tyler Warren Would Be a Great Fit for the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have made big strides to reshape their offense this offseason, but one area still open for improvement is the tight end depth behind Cole Kmet. While the team signed veteran Durham Smythe, the Bears could still use a younger, more dynamic option who can grow within Ben Johnson’s offense. Enter Tyler Warren, the former Penn State tight end who blends athleticism, versatility, and red zone dominance. He’s not just an insurance option but a player who could make a real impact in 2025 and beyond.
Bears fans are disagreeing on drafting him due to Cole Kmet being on the roster. There's a different element here; Warren brings a unique profile to the table. He’s six-foot-six with the frame to block effectively in-line and the athleticism to line up in the slot or even out wide. While Penn State’s passing game didn’t always feature him prominently, Warren still found ways to contribute, especially in the red zone. He finished his final college season with eight touchdowns, showing a knack for making contested grabs and boxing out defenders. That type of production could translate nicely in a Bears offense under Johnson that looks to diversify its red zone targets.
For Ben Johnson, Warren could fill a similar role to what he had with Sam LaPorta in Detroit. A tight end who can stay on the field in multiple personnel groupings and give opposing defenses matchup headaches. Johnson frequently uses 12 personnel, and having Warren paired with Kmet gives the Bears a tight end duo capable of both run blocking and contributing as pass catchers. This type of versatility would make the offense less predictable and allow for more creative play calling in crucial moments.
With Caleb Williams still early in his development, adding a reliable target like Warren could ease pressure on the young quarterback. While D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze will command attention on the outside, a player like Warren can thrive underneath and in tight spaces. While Kmet can provide extra protection to Williams, the Bears may be looking for long-term weapons and a well-rounded, coachable tight end who can grow in their system. In that case, Tyler Warren would be a smart addition as their first-round pick of the draft.
