There is a definitive top tier in this year’s wide receiver class consisting of three prospects. Prospects who have yet to truly separate themselves from one another. Makai Lemon of USC won the Biletnikoff Award this past season as the best receiver in college football. Carnell Tate was phenomenal this past season at Ohio State, catching nine touchdowns in just 11 games despite being the second-best receiver on his own team. However, Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State just may very well end up being the best pro of them all,
if he can stay on the field.
The basics on Jordyn Tyson
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Junior
Size: 6’2 195 pounds, 9 1/8 hand, 30 1/4 arm length, 75 1/4 wingspan.
Age: 21
Draft Projection: Mid First Round
Offensive Stats via Sports Reference
Jordyn Tyson Scouting Report
Jordyn Tyson has become one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football after transferring from Colorado to Arizona State in 2023. Interestingly enough, Tyson has a connection to the Steelers through his wide receivers coach, Hines Ward. Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham says that Ward has been crucial in preparing Tyson to succeed at the next level.
“Mentally, I think Hines Ward coming in last year, I think JT has really taken what coach Ward has said in terms of preparation and what it takes to be successful at the next level, and really embodied that.”
Tyson can best be described as the ultimate chess piece that any NFL offense should be running to turn in the draft card for. He has proven throughout his collegiate career that when he is on the field, he is capable of being a high-volume receiver who can wear down defensive backs throughout the game. Tyson has a legitimate case of being one of the best route runners in the class.
Where Tyson flashes the most for me is at the catch point. Not only does he have exceptionally strong hands that flash late to help him win more jump balls, but his body control going to the ground is also quite impressive. Tyson can be moved all around the formation, which is becoming more of a common thing to see among the top receivers entering the NFL Draft over the last few years.
Tyson did not run at the combine, so he didn’t get to see his raw speed on display. On film, Tyson has good short area quickness but not top-end speed. His abilities at the catch point make up for it, but his release is very basic that led to him getting jammed quite a bit at the line. His shiftiness makes him dangerous in shirt areas, and he is able to dodge defenders repeatedly. Tyson does have an extensive injury history that will knock him down some team’s boards, but his skills on tape, especially from 2024, are too intriguing to keep him from falling very far on night one of the NFL Draft.
Strengths
- Ability to move around the formation and win from any level. Can play in the slot or on the outside in the NFL.
- Does not tip head when running routes, causing defenders to lose him in coverage.
- Great at the catch point and displays good body control. Tyson is not a one-trick pony. He can go up and get a ball in one-on-one situations as well as anyone else in his class.
Weaknesses
- Thinner frame than most top receivers. Saw his most struggles against physical press corners in college, which will be much more common in the NFL. Release is very basic.
- Relies on technicality to win rather than top-end speed. Route running will have to become more refined if he wants to win this way at the next level.
- Long injury history that has caused him to miss time in each of the past three collegiate seasons. Dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that prevented him from doing workouts at the NFL Combine.
What others are saying about Jordyn Tyson
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“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.”
Damian Parson, Bleacher Report
“Good route-running ability. Tyson thrives at attacking angles and leverage. His routes are run with the intent to step on the defensive back’s toes quickly. His lateral agility and footwork are great in setting up defensive backs in off coverage at the apex of his route.”
Hines Ward, Arizona State WR Coach and Steelers Legend
“Even though Jordyn Tyson had a lot of success, I’m on his ass every day about doing the little things right and becoming a pro. But he loves that. He wants that. He wants to be coached hard. He will get better. He’ll be a better leader, a better player overall.”
Tyson’s fit with the Steelers
Wide receiver is one of the biggest positions of need for the Steelers, and if they are able to walk away with Tyson in the first round, they should be thrilled. It may take a trade-up, but for a play of Tyson’s ability, the risk may very well be worth the reward.
I think an underrated part of the Steelers’ new head coach, Mike McCarthy’s allure, is his track record of developing some of the game’s best wideouts. Most notably, Davante Adams in Green Bay, who was the 53rd pick in 2014. It took some time, but Adams became one of the game’s most refined route runners and overall wideouts in the league under McCarthy. CeeDee Lamb also had the best years of his career so far under McCarthy. Lamb was also a much more complete product with less question marks than Adams and Tyson alike.
Tyson would slot right in alongside DK Metcalf and be capable of becoming an important volume-based receiver in the Pittsburgh offense. Tyson can win from anywhere, giving him the most versatility and playmaking ability with the potential to quickly become the Steelers’ top target. Tyson would be a slam-dunk pick for the Steelers in the first round, even if they have to give up some extra capital to move up a few spots and get him.
TL;DR: Tyson is a dynamic receiver with the upside to become the Steelers’ WR1 by the end of his rookie contract. A route artist who separates unlike anyone else on Pittsburgh’s roster, his skill set could make him worth the injury risk, especially considering none of his injuries have been repeated.
You can find all of BTSC’s prospect profiles here.
What are your thoughts on Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson? And which draft prospects would you like to see profiled next? Let us know in the comments below!
