INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen struggled with the question. When asked how tight end Tyler Warren could have even more impact in Year 2 on the heels of a prolific rookie season, Steichen was stumped.

"I don't know," Steichen said. "He was pretty good last year."

Indeed, there wasn't much to quibble about after Warren's all-rookie season in 2025. Last year's 14th pick, Warren set a Colts franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end (817). He also tied for sixth among tight ends leaguewide with 76 receptions.

But with the 2026 season on the horizon, there remains the potential for growth in Warren's game. And he's hoping to tap into that as the Colts look to build on some of their impressive offensive feats of last season, when they were the league's most potent offense before injuries derailed their season.

Among the chief goals for Warren during the team's ongoing offseason workouts: to add more explosiveness, something that could be a game changer.

"A big thing [is] the explosion out of my breaks," Warren said, referring to his route running. "Getting in the break is one thing, but being able to accelerate out of it and still you create the space, but being able to hold that space if you are running across the field ... I think it's big."

Creating more explosiveness after changing directions could ultimately lead to more separation from defenders, Warren said. That would, in theory, position him for more big plays. Seeing how Warren is perhaps most dangerous in the open field, where his impressive ball-carrying skills are most evident, this could add another dimension to his game.

Tyler on target 🎯 pic.twitter.com/qfTXUCkaH7

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 3, 2026

"I think the difference between a foot and 2 feet of separation is a big deal in being able to break the tackle or something like that," he said.

Warren wanting to dig deeper into this area of his game is notable, as he's already quite good at it. Only Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals had more yards after the catch among tight ends last season. Some 476 of Warren's 817 receiving yards came after the reception (58.3%).

This was never more evident than in the Colts' Nov. 9 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin. Warren accumulated 67 yards after the catch, representing 67.7% of his 99 receiving yards in the game. He had two late explosive plays, including one in the closing moments of overtime that helped set up the winning touchdown.

If Warren does manage to further refine his route running, it should result in even more catch-and-run opportunities for the 24-year-old former Penn State All-American. His rookie experience reinforced just how much small technical details matter when the level of competition is at its highest.

"Really, it comes down to all the little fundamentals," Warren said. "I think the biggest thing when you're playing in this league is everyone's so good, you've got to [do] everything you're doing to a T and perfect."

Meanwhile, maximizing Warren's game will also be a project for his coaches.

One of the hallmarks of his play at Penn State was his versatility, which allowed him to impact games as a receiver, runner and, occasionally, a passer. Warren carried the ball six times last season and attempted a single pass on a trick play. (It was incomplete.)

The Colts think there might be another level in this area, too.

"I think you're always trying to evolve offensively and find ways to get him the football because he is such a dynamic player when the ball's in his hands," Steichen said. "So, you go through that process in the spring and in training camp and find ways to push that."

The effort to get more out of one of the NFL's emerging tight ends is in full swing. If it's successful, Steichen might once again find himself speechless when asked about his star tight end.