Early mock drafts have penned different defensive linemen, offensive linemen and defensive backs to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round. While it’s easy to see the holes on the 49ers roster on both the offensive and defensive line along with the secondary, is there a case for John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to pursue an offensive playmaker with their first pick in the 2025 edition of the draft?
The first round is littered with blue-chip caliber prospects at multiple skill positions, headlined by players like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillian, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Missouri’s Luther Burden and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka.
While each of those players would add a spark to Shanahan’s offense, one player from the 2025 class could be too hard to pass on if he’s available when the 49ers are on the clock, regardless of position.
After a stellar season at Penn State, Tyler Warren emerged as the best tight end in the 2025 draft class. On his way to helping Penn State punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff, Warren exploded for 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdown receptions. Warren added four rushing touchdowns for the Nittany Lions.
On his way to winning the John Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end, Warren showed off a flurry of traits worthy of a top draft pick. At 6-foot-6, 257 lbs, Warren has a large catch radius with the ability to win contested catches with power. In the 2024 season, Warren earned a 93.3 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus.
Tyler Warren: TE1 in the 2025 Rookie Class
104 Receptions
Notable Information:
Dude has absurd hands, excels as a blocker, dominates in contested catches, and he’s 6’6, 257 lbs.. pic.twitter.com/NOFjQbAuIB
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) January 15, 2025
Warren’s size and power transition well to the run game where his blocking holds up to his ability as a receiver.
Tyler Warren in the B10 Championship game was one of the best TE run blocking performances I’ve seen this year
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) December 18, 2024
Warren’s versatility and ability to line up at multiple positions on the field, including in the backfield at fullback, gives Shanahan another chess piece on the field. Warren could play alongside Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk as he becomes comfortable in the 49ers offense, while also playing outside as a receiver.
The Penn State tight end could potentially help extend Kittle’s prime, taking pressure off as blocker on the edges or as a target for Brock Purdy. The six-time Pro Bowler has missed eight games over his last four seasons. Warren’s addition to the tight end room would give the 49ers depth at the position that they’ve missed.
While there’s absolutely a case for the 49ers bring in a trench player like an offensive lineman or defensive lineman along with a player in the secondary, Warren’s skillset could be enough to catch the eye of Lynch and Shanahan.
This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!