The New Orleans Saints have selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
NFL.com analysts about Jordyn Tyson:
Overview
Learning from Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward helped unlock Tyson’s production and elevated his draft stock. He’s added size and improved his route running over the last two years, showing he can align at all three receiver spots. He occasionally rushes the route but has the short-area quickness and contested-catch toughness to find chain-moving grabs in high-leverage moments. He’s not a blazer but has enough speed to work down the field. Also, he has the ball skills and body control to win above the rim with timing on 50/50 throws. Scouts say he puts in the time to absorb knowledge and hone his craft. A history of injuries might explain inconsistent competitiveness as a run blocker in 2025. The wiring, versatility and finishing talent point to a WR1 ceiling.
Strengths
- Able to play every receiver spot on the field.
- Plays with ideal suddenness and cut quickness underneath.
- Routes are smooth and manipulative to induce leverage.
- Stems routes suddenly, leaving man coverage temporarily stranded.
- Digs hard on posts to gain ground before looking for the ball.
- Uses off hand to maintain leads and landing zones down the sideline.
- Highly competitive to hog the catch space and win contested catches.
- Ball skills feature impeccable body control and high-point timing.
- Showed willingness in 2024 to put hat on hat as a run blocker.
- Coached by former NFL standout Hines Ward at Arizona State.
Weaknesses
- Focus drops were an issue in 2024.
- Can be impatient and hurry his routes at times.
- Loses momentum on in-breaking routes because of inefficient footwork.
- Long speed and play strength are average.
- Missed games in every season from 2022-2025.
- Suffered knee (2022), collarbone (2024) and hamstring (2025) injuries.
Sources Tell Us
“He injured both hamstrings in that Texas Tech game but still played through it and then single-handedly closed that game out for them. He wouldn’t check out.” – NFC regional scout
READ MORE:Saints add playmaker Jordyn Tyson in 2026 NFL draft to help young QB Tyler Shough
