Tyler Warren is a name that has been swirling around the Bears and the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

It is certainly an intriguing and tempting pick based on Warren’s versatility and ability to play multiple positions across the offense, including QB in some Wildcat sets during his time with Penn State.

Warren was an integral piece for the Nittany Lions in 2024, proving to be a stabilizing force for quarterback Drew Allar and the rest of the Penn State offense. 

Marquee Sports Network Bears Insider Scott Bair said on the Bears on the Marquee Podcast, “When Ben Johnson said why he drafted Jahmyr Gibbs, he didn’t look at him as a running back, he looked at him as an offensive weapon. So when I look at Tyler Warren, I think maybe he looks at Tyler Warren as an offensive weapon.”

So, how would Warren fit as a new and versatile offensive weapon for the Bears?

The tight end posted over 100 receptions and 1,200 yards in his 2024 campaign with the Nittany Lions that ended in a loss in the CFP Semifinal against Notre Dame. During his two seasons with the Lions, Gibbs has recorded over 3,000 total scrimmage yards and 31 touchdowns (including 20 scores during the 2024 campaign). 

Now, Gibbs’ success came in part because of Johnson’s ability to weave in the physicality of David Montgomery with the speed and elusiveness of the former Alabama running back.

Johnson might be looking at Warren in a similar light to Gibbs as a new offensive weapon that could be a Swiss Army knife within the Bears’ new offensive scheme.

Obviously, Warren’s build and position is clearly different from Gibbs but his impact on an offense could be similar.

Perhaps his biggest upside is his ability to be put virtually anywhere within the offense, contributing in the backfield, lining up as a traditional tight end or spread out wide.

Warren’s receiving upside is very appealing. His catch radius was on display throughout his time at Penn State, consistently finding holes against zones and was seemingly always open when Allar needed him.

His knack for finding the soft spot in zones could be credited to his high IQ from his time playing quarterback in high school.

Warren at the No. 10 pick could potentially add a new offensive wrinkle for Johnson and the Bears, just as Gibbs helped take the Lions to a new level in 2023-24.