Should the Saints select Jordyn Tyson in the NFL Draft?
Mel Kiper is a well-respected personality in the NFL Draft, despite some recent criticism around his Shedur Sanders reaction in 2025. Kiper’s been in the draft space since 1984 and has made enough mock drafts to be a trusted source. In his recent mock, he had the New Orleans Saints selecting Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick. This would be a home run pick if his medicals turn out healthy at the NFL Combine. He would be an explosive receiver next to Chris Olave for years to come in the Big Easy.
The Saints have a desperate need at wide receiver. Chris Olave is a superstar, with 100 receptions, 1,163 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2025. However, they were lacking outside of him. Rashid Shaheed and Bradin Cooks were both options before the season, but were traded or cut during it. This left Devaughn Vele as the next option, and he was great until he got injured. The Saints can’t bank on him staying healthy, they need to invest in the position.
Tyson is an outstanding fit with the Saints. The 6-foot-2, 205 pound receiver is versatile and can play anywhere on the field. He’s a smooth route runner, as he uses his long strides to burn defenders. Tyson expertly deploys tempo in his routes to keep his defenders off balanced. He’s efficient in and out of routes and doesn’t lose much speed. These make it a challenge for defenders to keep up with him.
Tyson’s nuances while route running is what sets him apart from the average wide receiver. He understands defenders' leverage and knows how to stem them to create instant separation. Plus, he sells his routes well, especially while faking the deep threat.
Another underrated aspect of Tyson’s game is his athleticism. It’s clear this runs in his family, as his brother was a first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He’s got elite vertical speed and pairs it with fabulous short-area quickness. He requires safety help over the top on every play which can create open room for other receivers.
The biggest issue with Tyson’s game is his health. He’s dealt with multiple injuries in college that puts a damper on his draft stock. In 2022 he tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL, broke his collarbone in 2024, and dealt with nagging hamstring injuries this past season. This is why the NFL Combine is such a massive event for him. Allowing team doctors to check him out will greatly impact his stock, either positively or negatively.
Jordyn Tyson would be a perfect prospect pairing for the Saints if he checks out healthy at the NFL Combine. The lure to New Orleans is prevalent, as Mel Kiper selected him in a recent mock draft. He’s a perfect complement to Chris Olave and has every quality a team would want in a star receiver.