The idea of the 49ers grabbing Tyler Warren early in the NFL Draft seems silly, but multiple outlets have suggested it, including Pro Football Focus now.
If one was to rank the San Francisco 49ers' top three positional priorities in the 2025 NFL Draft, they'd probably pan out in this order: defensive line, cornerback, offensive line.
Tight end wouldn't be high up there.
Granted, this year's draft class is deep with talented tight ends. But the Niners already boast the best in the business, All-Pro George Kittle, so grabbing another is going to be the definition of a luxury pick.
However, there's a growing amount of buzz suggesting Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who is viewed as one of the notably few blue-chip prospects available in what's otherwise seen as a weak 2025 draft class, might be a dark-horse top target for San Francisco in Round 1.
It's not just hyperbolic suggestion either. Mock drafts by third-party analysts also point at the growing potential of the 6-foot-6 Warren finding his way to the Bay Area despite Kittle already being present there.
Especially if the New Orleans Saints, drafting at No. 9 and previously having been seen as a top Warren suitor, opt to go quarterback with their first pick in the wake of Derek Carr's latest injury update that puts his availability for the upcoming season in serious doubt.
Perhaps NOLA passes on Warren and grabs a signal-caller two picks ahead of the 49ers, potentially leaving general manager John Lynch in a provocative spot.
And that's what Pro Football Focus just came up with in an unorthodox mock draft.
PFF joins the party for 49ers grabbing TE Tyler Warren
Dalton Wasserman of PFF tossed together a first-round mock for all 32 teams that listed surprise picks, so that context needs to be highlighted.
But, each of the surprise picks has to at least make some secret sense. By now, you've probably figured out who the Niners' surprise first-round selection is.
Correct, Warren.
Of the No. 11 overall selection, Wasserman justified it by writing:
"The 49ers already have superstar tight end George Kittle firmly entrenched in their offense, but it’s fair to wonder if Kyle Shanahan might consider adding Tyler Warren to form the league’s most intimidating 12-personnel package. Warren earned an elite 93.4 receiving grade in 2024 and brings the kind of physicality as a run blocker that would complement Kittle perfectly on the edge."
Interestingly enough, Wasserman's pick for New Orleans at No. 9 overall was another prospect frequently linked to San Francisco, Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.
While it doesn't seem as if Warren would be a realistic pick for the 49ers, especially considering the plethora of other needs they have, one can fairly conclude he is likely going to be one of the few true difference-making prospects to come out of the 2025 class.
Plus, despite continuing to play at an elite level, Kittle is on the wrong side of 30 years old and is entering a contract year. That's something to consider, too.
Of course, if the Saints stay somewhat predictable and grab Warren, the Niners' decision to add a tight end early when other needs are more pressing will be made for them.
That'll be found out on April 24, though.
