New Orleans Saints Draft Arizona State Wide Receiver Jordyn Tyson with No. 8 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft
The New Orleans Saints selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The selection adds a dynamic playmaker to a Saints receiving corps seeking depth after the trade of Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks.
Jordyn Tyson’s College Career and Path to the NFL
Jordyn Tyson, a 6-foot-2, 203-pound redshirt junior from Allen, Texas, transferred to Arizona State from Colorado and quickly became one of college football’s most productive receivers. He earned back-to-back third-team Associated Press All-American honors in 2024, and 2025. Over his college career, Tyson totaled 158 receptions for 2,282 yards and 22 touchdowns, including a standout 1,101-yard, 10-touchdown season in 2024 that earned him Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors.
In the 2025 season, shortened by hamstring injuries in both legs, Tyson played in nine games, recording 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns.
Saints Address Receiver Need with Tyson Selection
The Saints entered the 2026 NFL Draft with clear needs at wide receiver, edge rusher, and defensive back. After trading Rashid Shaheed to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans lacked depth behind veteran Chris Olave, who had a standout 2025 season. Saints head coach Kellen Moore praised Tyson’s versatility, highlighting his ability to make plays on deep balls and his effectiveness in the slot.
“This is a great add to that group,” Moore said. “Highlighting Tyson’s ability to make plays on deep balls as a wideout, as well as his ability to play as a slot receiver.”
Tyson expressed enthusiasm about joining Olave in New Orleans, stating he bonded with the veteran receiver during a pre-draft visit.
“It’s going to be amazing to take pressure off each other, make our jobs easier,” Tyson said. “I feel like us, (covered) one on one — shoot — it’s going to get ugly.”
Family Connection and Draft Moment
Jordyn Tyson is the brother of Jaylon Tyson, a forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. Jordyn revealed he learned of his draft selection around the same time he watched Jaylon hit a 3-pointer in Cleveland’s 126-104 Game 3 playoff loss to the Toronto Raptors.
“I keep getting better. I just wish to continue on that track. Function works,” Jordyn Tyson said after receiving the call from the Saints.
Physical Measurements and Athletic Profile
At the 2026 NFL Combine, Jordyn Tyson recorded the following measurements:
- Height: 6-2 1/8 inches
- Weight: 203 pounds
- Hand Size: 9 1/8 inches
- Arm Length: 30 1/4 inches
- Wingspan: 75 1/4 inches
- Bench Press: 26 repetitions
Tyson did not participate in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical jump, broad jump, 20-yard shuttle, or 3-cone drill at the combine.
Outlook for Jordyn Tyson in New Orleans
With the No. 8 overall pick, the Saints have secured a receiver who can contribute immediately as both an outside threat and a slot option. Tyson’s route-running ability, catch radius, and experience in high-pressure situations at Arizona State position him to compete for a significant role in New Orleans’ offense in his rookie season.
As the Saints continue to build around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, Jordyn Tyson represents a key investment in the team’s passing game future.