The New Orleans Saints stayed at eighth overall on Thursday and selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Tyson was the second wide receiver to come off the board.
As draft day approached, the Arizona State wideout’s name was steadily coming up more and more, with the New York Giants and Saints being potential landing spots.
At 6-foot-2, Tyson is an elite route runner and was often labeled the best wide out in the draft, and could’ve been the first off the board if it wasn’t for lingering
injuries throughout his college career.
Despite these injuries, New Orleans was confident enough in the Arizona State wide receiver to make him a top-10 pick and the perfect complement to Chris Olave.
Tyson is the best route runner in the draft, and he combines it with an unmatched ability to make cuts. The 6-foot-2 wide receiver doesn’t sacrifice his size to make these plays, either, and has immaculate body control. New Orleans has lacked a contested catch threat over the years, but Tyson’s ability to high-point the ball and win 50-50 balls made him the right choice.
Through the 2025 season, Tyson showcased all the abilities to be a superstar wideout in the NFL. He has the “it” factor and has found the endzone 18 times over his last two seasons in college football.
One of the biggest factors that makes Tyson a fit for the Saints offense is his versatility. He can play every receiver position on the field, and opens up play calling for Kellen Moore. Olave has played predominantly as an “X” receiver during his time in the NFL. With Tyson joining the room, he’ll be able to stay at the “X,” or could slide to the slot, and the same fits for Tyson.
Tyler Shough’s rookie success has opened up a lot for the Saints, and with their disciplined drafting over the last few seasons, it has allowed them the opportunity to add a playmaker to the offense. With the Saints finding their franchise tackles on rookie contracts, the focus shifts to getting the right weapons to develop Shough.
While Tyson has all the makings to be a star in the NFL, health will remain a big concern. The rookie receiver suffered a major multi-ligament knee injury in 2022, tearing his ACL, MCL, and PCL. Just a year later, he broke his collar bone before suffering another significant injury cutting his season short in 2025.
Significant injuries are nothing new to the Saints, and Tyson’s history rightfully warrants concern. But the big play ability and star potential with the eighth overall pick was clearly too good to pass up for Mickey Loomis and the Saints front office.
