New Orleans Saints select Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson with No. 8 pick in 2026 NFL Draft

AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City NewsletterNFL Draft UpdatesThe BeastConsensus RankingsTop 300 Rankings7-Round Draft Order2026 NFL Draft Jordyn Tyson battled injuries throughout college, but draws comparisons to Stefon Diggs on the field. Chris Coduto / Getty Images Share articleThe Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Saints made Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson the No. 8 pick of the first round in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was the second receiver taken. Tyson’s talent has been obvious since early in his career, and when he’s been healthy, it has shown in his production. He led Colorado in receiving as a freshman in 2022 despite missing the last three games with multiple torn ligaments in his knee from a catastrophic injury. He left the Buffaloes after Deion Sanders was hired and spent most of 2023 rehabbing the injury. He broke out for Arizona State in 2024 with a 1,100-yard, 10-touchdown season and proved himself as one of the best contested catch receivers in the country. He had 444 yards in his final three games before a broken collarbone kept him out of the Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff. An ankle injury kept him out of spring practice in 2025. He went over 100 yards four times in ASU’s first seven games of 2025, scoring eight touchdowns, before a nagging hamstring injury derailed the rest of his season. Tyson is as talented as any receiver in the draft, but his injury history raises question marks as he moves to the NFL. Tyson ranked No. 20 overall and was the No. 3 receiver on Dane Brugler’s big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide: “Tyson’s injury history is concerning, but on the field, he is a sleek, twitched-up athlete who can create his own separation and win outside his frame at the catch point. He projects as an NFL starter (inside or outside), with a skill set that reminds me of Stefon Diggs.” An elite ball-catcher who evokes Stefon Diggs, and a likely NFL starter. What a Big 12 defensive backs coach had to say about Tyson in Bruce Feldman’s mock draft: “Of all the guys we played, he was the most complete. He has really good body control, route running. He was so physical at the top of the route, he could create separation. He has really strong hands and he just had a good knack for playing the game. We weren’t sure just how fast he is. I thought he’s probably a mid-4.4 guy. He’s more efficient than he is fast in terms of coming in and out of his breaks; he gained ground. He played through some injuries in our game and came back and competed. I’ve got a lot of respect for that kid.” If he’s healthy and available, this is a terrific pick. The problem? Tyson was never consistently healthy and available throughout his time in college. At full strength, he’s the best wide receiver in this class. But, like Carnell Tate, who went to the Titans, it’s not a slam dunk that Tyson blossoms into a WR1. And at No. 8, that’s what you’re shooting for. I like the player. I think Tyson should help out New Orleans pretty quickly — as long as his medicals clear. But, again, I question whether or not more value could’ve been had here. Grade: B+ The Saints followed the Titans in adding a weapon for their second-year QB. Tyson gives Tyler Shough a bigger target next to Chris Olave. If he can stay healthy, Tyson has the best chance to develop into a No. 1 receiver. He naturally has the deceptive body language running routes that elite receivers like Justin Jefferson have. He can try to do too much with his release and fakes at times, so he has to learn how to play creatively within the timing of plays. The Saints now have the supporting cast to get a proper evaluation on Shough going into his sophomore season after a highly encouraging rookie campaign. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms