San Francisco, We – April 16, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers, reeling from a 6-11 season in 2024, face a critical 2025 NFL Draft to rebuild a roster gutted by free-agent losses. With the 11th overall pick, conventional wisdom points to addressing the defensive line or offensive tackle. However, Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman proposes a bold alternative: drafting Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, a 1,233-yard standout, to fortify Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Warren’s 2024 campaign—104 receptions, 1,233 yards, 12 touchdowns—showcases his prowess as a receiving threat. At 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, he combines size with agility, excelling in the slot and as an inline blocker. His versatility aligns with Shanahan’s love for multi-faceted tight ends, as seen with George Kittle. Wasserman sees Warren as a long-term successor to Kittle, who, at 32, faces an expiring contract and injury concerns.
The 49ers’ offense, which slumped to 20.7 points per game in 2024, needs firepower after trading Deebo Samuel. Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey remain pillars, but depth is thin. Warren could thrive in 12-personnel sets, creating mismatches and bolstering red-zone efficiency (49ers ranked 18th in 2024). His blocking skills would also support an aging offensive line, protecting Brock Purdy.
Selecting Warren at No. 11 is controversial. The 49ers’ defense, ravaged by the departures of Javon Hargrave, Dre Greenlaw, and Charvarius Ward, allowed 24.3 points per game, exposing a glaring need for a lineman like Mason Graham. An offensive tackle like Kelvin Banks Jr. could replace Trent Williams, 37. Critics argue a tight end, even one as polished as Warren, is a luxury San Francisco can’t afford.
Yet Wasserman’s logic hinges on foresight. Kittle’s $15 million cap hit in 2025 and recent injuries (missed five games in 2024) signal a need for a contingency plan. Warren, at 24, offers immediate depth and a seamless transition if Kittle departs. His college production suggests he can contribute early, unlike raw prospects who require years to develop.
The financial case supports Wasserman’s idea. Warren’s rookie deal—projected at $12 million over four years—fits the 49ers’ $22 million cap space. With 11 draft picks, including three fourth-rounders, John Lynch can address defensive needs later. This strategy mirrors past successes, like drafting Kittle in the fifth round, highlighting San Francisco’s knack for finding value.
Risks remain. Warren’s limited experience against elite competition raises questions about his NFL readiness. If Kittle stays healthy, Warren might see reduced snaps, delaying his impact. Prioritizing a tight end over a defensive cornerstone could prolong the 49ers’ rebuild, especially in a competitive NFC West led by the Rams.
Still, Warren represents Shanahan’s vision of offensive innovation. His ability to stretch defenses and anchor the run game could revive San Francisco’s attack, setting the stage for a 2025 rebound. As draft day nears, Lynch and Shanahan must weigh this high-upside gamble against immediate roster holes, with Warren’s potential as the X-factor.
