NFL Draft Watch: Could Jordyn Tyson Be the Perfect Fit for the Saints?
The New Orleans Saints have a glaring need at wide receiver, and if Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft is any indication, help could be on the way. Kiper has the Saints using the No. 8 overall pick to select Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson - a move that could give New Orleans one of the most dynamic young receiver duos in the league, if Tyson clears the medical hurdles ahead of him.
Let’s break it down.
The Saints’ WR Room: Olave and Then...?
Chris Olave is the real deal. He turned in a stellar 2025 campaign with 100 catches, 1,163 yards, and nine touchdowns, cementing himself as the Saints’ WR1 and one of the league’s rising stars. But beyond Olave, the depth chart has been a revolving door.
Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks were expected to be part of the solution, but both were either traded or released during the season. Devaughn Vele stepped up when called upon, showing flashes of promise, but injuries derailed his momentum.
The bottom line? The Saints can’t afford to go into another season banking on health and hope.
They need reinforcements - and fast.
Enter Jordyn Tyson: A Fit That Makes Football Sense
At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Tyson brings a versatile, polished skill set that fits exactly what the Saints are missing. He’s not just a burner - though he can burn - he’s a technician.
His route running is smooth and calculated, using long strides and tempo to manipulate defenders. He doesn’t waste movement, and he rarely loses speed coming in or out of his breaks.
What sets Tyson apart isn’t just the athleticism (we’ll get to that), it’s the nuance. He understands leverage.
He knows how to stem a route to force a corner into the wrong position, then snap off and create separation. He sells the deep threat with conviction, and that opens up everything underneath.
That kind of route IQ doesn’t always show up in a 40-yard dash time, but it shows up on Sundays.
Athletic Pedigree Runs in the Family
Tyson’s athleticism is another layer to his game that shouldn’t be overlooked. His vertical speed is legit - the kind that forces safeties to stay honest - but he also has excellent short-area quickness.
That combination makes him a tough cover for any defensive back. And if you’re looking for pedigree, his brother was a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Safe to say the genes are working in his favor.
With Tyson on the field, defenses would be forced to account for two legitimate threats on the outside. That kind of gravity doesn’t just help the quarterback - it opens up the entire offense, from the run game to the tight ends to the slot receivers.
The Medical Wild Card
Of course, there’s a reason Tyson isn’t a lock for the top five. His injury history is significant and can’t be ignored.
He tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL in 2022 - a brutal trifecta for any athlete. In 2024, he broke his collarbone.
And this past season, hamstring issues lingered. That’s a lot of red flags for NFL teams investing a top-10 pick.
That’s why the NFL Combine is going to be massive for Tyson. It’s not just about the 40 or the shuttle drills - it’s about the medical evaluations.
Teams will want to know if he’s fully healed, if there’s any long-term risk, and whether his body can hold up to the grind of a 17-game season. If he checks out, his stock could rise in a hurry.
Final Thoughts: High Risk, High Reward - But Worth It?
If Tyson’s medicals come back clean, the Saints could be looking at a high-upside receiver who perfectly complements Olave and gives the offense a much-needed jolt. He’s got the tools, the polish, and the football IQ to make an immediate impact.
The Saints are in a position where they can’t afford to miss on this pick. They need playmakers.
They need reliability. And they need someone who can grow alongside Olave to give this offense a long-term foundation.
Jordyn Tyson might just be that guy - if his body can hold up. The Combine will tell us a lot.
But on tape? He looks like the kind of player who could thrive in New Orleans.