A tear-eyed Jordyn Tyson belted gospel music Thursday in the moments following his 2026 NFL Draft selection and began impassioned preaching as soon as he was tilted a microphone.
The New Orleans Saints appear to have landed themselves one hell of a fit with the No. 8 overall pick — and one hell of a weapon for their second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.
“I’m just so thankful, so blessed. The Lord’s doing work on me. He’s not done. I’m just gonna keep this thing rolling, I’m gonna give it my all and that’s all I can do.”
The 6-foot-2, 203-pound pass-catcher had been highly praised for his size, explosiveness, quickness, route-running and strong hands, but questioned primarily for a torn ACL, broken collarbone and hamstring injury limiting him during his college career.
But ESPN draft analysts Anthony “Booger” McFarland and Louis Riddick brushed emphatically called the Sun Devils’ star the top wide receiver in this year’s class, dismissed concerns over the injury history and praisied the Saints’ choice.
Two minutes of Hines Ward rebutting the narrative around Jordyn Tyson’s toughness:
“I chuckle sometimes because they try to write the narrative he’s not physical … One thing about the NFL is a business. Anything they could do to get you at a cheaper rate, they’re going to do… pic.twitter.com/W4lOp8FFtL
— Justin LaCertosa (@LaCertosaSports) April 14, 2026
McFarland, a former LSU and NFL defensive tackle, said he had no concerns and even that Tyson reminded him some of another former LSU and NFL star: Odell Beckham Jr.
“The Lord said it’s gonna be hard, and you have to persevere,” Tyson told ESPN when asked his message to others dealing with injuries and other adversity. “Life is not easy. Keep going, boy. You got it. You’re strong. I promise you you’re so strong. Just keep going. You got it.”
Tyson initially signed with Colorado in 2022 and had a solid true freshman season with 22 catches for a team-high 470 yards and five touchdowns before injuring his knee.
Jordyn Tyson is Different
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) April 20, 2026
He transferred to Arizona State in 2023 and spent most of that year rehabbing before leading the team each of the next two years with 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns and then 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns even despite the collarbone and hamstring cut into those campaigns.
Recurring flare-ups of the hamstring strain continued to limit him during the pre-draft process, including sidelining him for Arizona State’s Pro Day event. But he was able to host private workouts for teams during the past week-plus, according to several reports.
JORDYN TYSON SCOUTING REPORTS
ESPN, via Scouts Inc.:
“As a route runner, Tyson’s quickness off the line of scrimmage allows him to win early positioning. He does a good job of coming out of his cuts flat and not drifting upfield. On vertical routes, he excels at stacking defenders to get them in a trail position. His ability to separate can lead to pass interference and holding calls. Plus, his strong hands help him win 50-50 balls. Tyson is a threat with the ball in his hands after the catch, with quickness and the ability to make defenders miss. He is not an overpowering blocker, but he gets into position and moves his feet once locked on. His versatility to play inside or out adds to his value.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein:
“Learning from Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward helped unlock Tyson’s production and elevated his draft stock. He’s added size and improved his route running over the last two years, showing he can align at all three receiver spots. He occasionally rushes the route but has the short-area quickness and contested-catch toughness to find chain-moving grabs in high-leverage moments. He’s not a blazer but has enough speed to work down the field. Also, he has the ball skills and body control to win above the rim with timing on 50/50 throws. Scouts say he puts in the time to absorb knowledge and hone his craft. A history of injuries might explain inconsistent competitiveness as a run blocker in 2025. The wiring, versatility and finishing talent point to a WR1 ceiling.”
