ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has released his first official mock draft ahead of April’s 2026 NFL Draft. In the article, Kiper Jr. made his predictions for all 32 first-round picks, including the New Orleans Saints selecting Arizona State University wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at eighth-overall.
The pass catching prospect is listed as 6’2”, 200 lbs., and would immediately provide New Orleans with some much needed size within the offense. Tyson finished his Junior year at ASU with 711 yards on 61 receptions
while securing eight touchdowns.
Kiper Jr. had this to say when explaining why the Saints would make this pick in his prediction: “After rumors swirled about Chris Olave being on the trade market ahead of the deadline this season, it looks as if New Orleans is hanging onto its star wideout. However, Olave is under contract for only one more year, and even if the Saints extend him, they still need more pass-catching options for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Consider that Rashid Shaheed was the only other Saints wide receiver with over 300 receiving yards this season, and he was dealt at the deadline. Tyson could immediately be a red zone target for Shough thanks to his strength and ability on contested catches”.
Tyson was predicted as the second WR off the board in this mock draft behind the New York Giants’ pick of Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. Two players who have been consistently linked to New Orleans, Rueben Bain Jr. and Jeremiah Love, were selected at picks seven and nine, respectively.
What do you think of Mel Kiper’s first-round mock selection for the Saints? Do you agree with the pick or think New Orleans should look elsewhere? Let us know in the comments!
