The New Orleans Saints might be gearing up to give their young quarterback a serious boost in the passing game.
In his first mock draft of the season, longtime draft analyst Mel Kiper has the Saints selecting Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson-an intriguing move that would pair him with Chris Olave and immediately upgrade New Orleans’ offensive weaponry.
Let’s unpack why this pick makes sense for both the short and long term.
First, the Olave situation. While trade rumors swirled around the standout wideout earlier this season, the Saints ultimately held onto him.
But the clock is ticking-Olave is under contract for just one more year. Whether or not the team extends him, there’s no question that New Orleans needs more reliable options in the passing game.
Tyler Shough, heading into his second season under center, needs more than one dependable target if he’s going to take the next step.
Consider this: Rashid Shaheed was the only other Saints receiver to top 300 receiving yards this past season-and he was traded at the deadline. That leaves a pretty clear void. Enter Jordyn Tyson.
Tyson brings a skill set that could make him a go-to option right out of the gate. He’s a physical receiver with a knack for winning contested catches, especially in the red zone. That’s the kind of presence Shough didn’t consistently have in his rookie year-someone who can go up and get the ball when the field shrinks and the windows tighten.
But Tyson isn’t just a jump-ball guy. Damon Parson of Bleacher Report sees WR1 potential in him, and his breakdown of Tyson’s game paints the picture of a complete receiver.
Tyson’s route-running is sharp and purposeful. He attacks leverage and angles with precision, using his lateral quickness and footwork to create separation-especially effective against off coverage.
On critical downs, he’s used to being the guy the offense leans on. That kind of trust doesn’t come easy.
He’s also alignment versatile, meaning he can line up anywhere in the formation-outside, in the slot, wherever the matchup dictates. That gives the Saints’ offensive coordinator flexibility to move him around and exploit mismatches, something every modern offense craves.
Once the ball is in his hands, Tyson doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s got the play strength to fight through tackles and pick up extra yards, and he’s not afraid to mix it up at the catch point. His body control and timing allow him to high-point the ball with confidence, and his ability to flash late hands helps him stay one step ahead of defenders in contested situations.
Put simply, he plays like a receiver who knows he’s going to win the rep.
If the Saints do go this route in the draft, a Tyson-Olave combo could cause serious problems for opposing secondaries in 2026. Olave’s speed and route polish on one side, Tyson’s physicality and versatility on the other-that’s a duo that can stretch the field, win underneath, and give Shough a much more dynamic arsenal to work with.
This isn’t just about replacing production if Olave walks in free agency. It’s about building a sustainable core for a young quarterback. And if Tyson develops the way scouts believe he can, the Saints might just be putting the pieces together for a passing attack that can grow into something special.