NFL
Tyler Warren: A Great Longshot Bet for 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year
After a breakout year at Penn State, 14th overall pick Tyler Warren is poised to thrive on the Colts.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in the race for the 2015 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY), former Penn State star and current Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren could be your ideal longshot pick. At +3500 odds on BetMGM, Warren offers excellent value as a potential standout in what is shaping up to be a wide-open OROY race. Here’s why Tyler Warren is a strong candidate, despite being a longshot in a draft class that’s lacking a clear-cut offensive star.
Strong Senior Season at Penn State
Tyler Warren made a huge impact during his final year at Penn State. As a senior, he posted impressive stats with 104 receptions, 1,233 yards, and 8 touchdowns. This production speaks to his ability to be a consistent pass catcher in addition to being a reliable target in the red zone. His versatility as both a blocker and a pass catcher positions him as a potential weapon in the NFL, particularly in an offense that values tight ends who can do it all.
A Perfect Fit for the Colts’ Offense
Warren was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, with the 14th overall pick. The Colts’ offense, under head coach Shane Steichen, has shown a commitment to using tight ends in a balanced manner—emphasizing both run blocking and pass catching. Steichen’s time as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator showed how important a versatile tight end can be. With Dallas Goedert serving as an example of the ideal tight end, Warren profiles as a similar player who can contribute in both phases.
The Colts run a lot of 11 personnel (one tight end, three wide receivers, one running back), which suits Warren perfectly. His ability to line up with his hand in the dirt as a traditional Y tight end, while also posing a threat in the passing game, makes him a perfect fit in this scheme. With wide receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce stretching the field, Warren could become a key piece in opening up the middle of the field.
Versatility and Playmaking Ability
Warren is more than just a traditional tight end. In 2024 at Penn State, he demonstrated his versatility by scoring 13 total touchdowns: 8 receiving, 4 rushing, and 1 passing. This unique skill set gives the Colts offensive coordinator plenty of options for using Warren creatively. Much like the Raiders utilized Brock Bowers in a variety of ways in 2024, Warren could be deployed in multiple roles that highlight his ability to make plays all over the field.
This type of versatility is rare and could make him a valuable asset in a Colts offense that’s expected to feature a balanced attack. The Colts’ wide receiver depth, including players like Josh Downs (who ranked highly in receptions and yards in the slot), provides a solid supporting cast for Warren to thrive.
A Wide-Open Rookie Race
While some rookies like Ashton Jeanty (+250) and Cameron Ward (+250) have shorter odds to win OROY, the 2015 rookie class is far from stacked. With a draft class that’s not brimming with immediate stars, this could be the perfect opportunity for a longshot like Warren to rise above expectations. His combination of size, athleticism, and proven college production gives him a real chance to make a name for himself in the NFL and grab the attention of voters.
Why Warren Is a Strong Bet
Tyler Warren’s +3500 odds on BetMGM make him an enticing longshot pick for OROY. His ability to contribute in both the run game and the passing game in a Colts offense that values versatility puts him in a prime position to make an immediate impact. Given the lack of dominant rookie talent in the class and the Colts’ offensive scheme, Warren could be a surprise breakout star in his first season.
If you’re looking for a value bet with significant upside, Warren offers the potential to pay off big for bettors willing to take a chance on a highly skilled, versatile tight end. The OROY race is wide open, and Tyler Warren could be the sleeper that surprises everyone in 2015.
Dan Karpuc is the Founder of Sleeper Central and a seasoned sports betting expert. Previously, he served as the Director of Digital Content at BetQL (acquired by Audacy) and has contributed to top sports media outlets, including GiveMeSport, 12Up, TradeSports, HuffPost, Bleacher Report, and ESPN. With millions of words published across the industry, Dan is a leading voice in sports betting analysis and strategy. His passion for longshot player prop bets fueled the creation of Sleeper Central, where he continues to provide sharp insights and innovative betting content.
