Ranking the 2025 WR/TE draft class: Tyler Warren the next Gronk?

NFL teams took advantage of an exceptional class of playmakers a year ago, with eight of the league's 32 first-round selections used on wide receivers and tight ends. 

Expect roughly half that total in the 2025 NFL draft with Penn State tight end Tyler Warren the only prospect at either position likely to generate a top-10 pick. 

A tight end being selected before the first wide receiver in the NFL Draft is a rarity in itself, having occurred only five times in the past 20 years. 

But that's not to say there aren't future NFL stars from this group. In fact, I see a baker's dozen worthy of top-100 consideration, with all 13 ranked and graded below. 

1. Tyler Warren , TE, Penn State (6-6, 261)

Prospect grade: Top 10
Best-case comp: Rob Gronkowski
Best team fit: New York Jets

Clearly the most gifted pass-catcher in the 2025 NFL draft, Warren was understandably the focal point of Penn State's march to the College Football Playoffs last season and projects as a Day 1 standout in the NFL, as well. Entering last year, Warren's unique combination of size, strength, agility and remarkable body control already had him earning early first-round grades from scouts. 

And when his statistics exploded from 34 catches for 422 yards and seven scores in 2023 to leading the Big Ten with 104 grabs for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns this past year, Warren emerged as one of the few true blue-chip prospects of this class. There are few tight ends in today's NFL who offer Warren's all-around game, warranting comparison to a similarly-sized and talented future Hall of Famer in Gronk. 

2. Luther Burden III , WR, Missouri (5-11, 205)

Prospect grade: First round
Best-case comp: Deebo Samuel
Best team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Given