Tyler Warren Is Already Turning Heads in Indy — And Shane Steichen Loves It
If you’ve been keeping tabs on the Indianapolis Colts’ training camp, you’ve probably heard Tyler Warren’s name more than a few times already. And honestly? It’s for all the right reasons. The rookie tight end isn’t just showing up — he’s showing out, and the man running the show, head coach Shane Steichen, is clearly impressed.
Now, here’s the thing — Kay Adams from the Up and Adams Show recently dropped by the Colts’ camp on Sunday. She sat down with Steichen for a chat, and while she didn’t go all in comparing Warren to Hall of Fame legend Antonio Gates, she did want to know if there was at least one part of Warren’s game that felt Gates-like.
And boy, Steichen didn’t hold back.
“I think he’s got a natural feel for the game,” Steichen said. “He’s aware of zones, he knows the voids in the defense, and he just has this instinct when running routes. But the thing that really jumps out? The guy’s got unbelievable hands. And when he’s in open space, he’s physical — like, really physical. He’ll lower that shoulder and come right at you. I love that about him.”
🏈 The Gates Connection — Even If It’s Not a Direct One
For context, Steichen knows Antonio Gates well. Like, really well. He was with the Chargers from 2014 to 2020, spending five seasons with Gates before the tight end legend called it a career.
We’re talking about a guy in Gates who piled up 955 catches, 11,841 yards, and 116 touchdowns in his Hall of Fame run. That’s elite company — and while no one is saying Warren is the “next Gates,” it’s still pretty telling when a coach who’s worked with one of the best sees traits worth pointing out in a rookie.
Preseason Spotlight: Baltimore Got a Preview
The hype isn’t just coming from camp reports and soundbites. Warren already gave Colts fans a glimpse of what he can do under the lights in their preseason matchup against Baltimore.
In limited action, he was rock solid — hauling in all three targets for 40 yards. And it wasn’t just the stat line that stood out. The physicality Steichen raved about? Yeah, it was there. The kid was a problem in the middle of the field, fighting through contact and picking up extra yardage.
That kind of reliability is exactly what you want to see in a young tight end who’s still learning the ropes.
What Makes Warren Special? Let’s Break It Down
If you’ve been following the Colts closely, you know they’re looking to add more weapons around Anthony Richardson. Warren’s skill set makes him an intriguing chess piece in this offense.
Here’s what sets him apart:
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Elite Hands: Steichen wasn’t exaggerating — this dude can pluck the ball out of the air like it’s glued to his gloves.
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Route Awareness: Knows how to find soft spots in zone coverage. That’s veteran stuff.
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Physical Finish: He’s not looking for the sideline. He’s looking for you — and probably to run through you.
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Versatility: Not just a passing-game threat. Warren can be an impact blocker in the run game, giving Steichen options to move him all over the formation.
Why the Colts Should Be Excited from Day 1
Tight ends often take a couple of years to truly hit their stride in the NFL — the position is demanding, combining wide receiver precision with offensive line toughness. But Warren already looks like someone who can contribute immediately.
He’s been one of the more consistent players at camp, showing up in practice and translating it to preseason games. That’s huge for building trust with both the coaching staff and his quarterback.
The Colts aren’t exactly loaded with proven, elite tight end production right now. That opens the door for Warren to carve out a big role early.
Kay Adams’ Eye for Talent
One underrated part of this story? Kay Adams has a knack for spotting players worth keeping tabs on. She didn’t waste time asking Steichen if Warren was going to have a “Gates-level” career — that’s unfair to anyone. Instead, she zeroed in on whether there was a trait worth comparing.
That’s the kind of subtle media moment that can give fans a clue: This guy is worth watching. And judging by Steichen’s quick praise, Adams’ instincts were right on target.
The Perfect Storm: Steichen’s System Meets Warren’s Game
Steichen’s offensive playbook is built for versatility. He loves finding ways to put his players in positions to succeed, whether that’s scheming a receiver open in the flat or using motion to create mismatches.
With Warren’s ability to handle multiple assignments — catching passes over the middle, stretching the seam, or sealing the edge for a run play — he fits like a glove in this offense. Expect to see him moving around the formation, lining up in different spots to keep defenses guessing.
Remember the Name
Training camp standouts sometimes fade when the regular season hits. But everything about Warren’s game suggests he’s not just a “camp hero.” His style of play — physical, dependable, and versatile — tends to hold up when things get real.
If he keeps building on what we’ve already seen, Warren could quickly become a favorite safety blanket for Anthony Richardson. And for a young QB still finding his way in the league, having that reliable middle-of-the-field target is priceless.
Final Take
It’s easy to get carried away in August, throwing around wild predictions based on a few preseason flashes. But with Tyler Warren, it’s not about hype — it’s about substance.
From Steichen’s firsthand praise to his solid debut against Baltimore, to the way he’s consistently shown up in camp, all signs point to this rookie making an immediate impact.
Key takeaway:
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He’s got the hands.
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He’s got the physical edge.
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He’s got the football IQ.
And maybe most importantly — he’s got a coach who’s already talking about him with the kind of enthusiasm you can’t fake.
So, when the regular season kicks off, don’t be surprised if Warren is making plays from the very first snap. Colts fans might just be watching the start of something special.
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