Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints took a patient approach to the NFL Draft again this year and landed one of the most electrifying offensive talents in the process. With the No. 8 overall selection, New Orleans picked Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, adding him to a budding offense, ready to take a step in 2026.
Tyson, the highest drafted receiver by the Saints since Wes Chandler was taken No. 3 overall 1978, met with the local media after his selection and his excitement was undeniable.
“I knew they had a quarterback, that was a big thing,” Tyson said about ending up with New Orleans. “Then, also a receiver on the other side, a great receiver on the other side. I can learn from him to see how he handles his business. So it’s like a match made in heaven.”
The Allen, Texas native highlighted his new teammates, wide receiver Chris Olave and quarterback Tyler Shough multiple times during his conversation with the media. He started with how he and Olave would fit across from one another.
“It’s gonna be amazing,” he said. “We will take pressure off each other, make our jobs easier and I feel like us one-on-one? It’s going to get ugly.”
As for Shough, Tyson took notice of the excitement the second-year passer has brought to New Orleans and sees immediately how he could be a part of it.
“He played half the season, and he finished finalist in the offensive rookie of the year,” he said. “So, great player. He’s going to continue to do big things. He’s very smart. He knows how to read the defense, always on time. He’s a great quarterback. Can’t wait to get to work with him.”
The biggest question mark around Tyson throughout the pre-draft process has been his injury history. He suffered several injuries during his three collegiate seasons that resulted in substantial time missed. But when given a chance to set the record straight about those ailments, he outlined his course of action to staying on the football field.
“I’m gonna give myself the best opportunity to stay on the field and be as healthy as possible,” Tyson said. “I’ll do everything in the weight room and do everything in nutrition. I’m having my own chef. I’m gonna get my massage on the same day every week. I’m having my regimen so down to a tee that I’m gonna give myself the best opportunity. We do play football, but I’m gonna give myself the best shot possible.”
He credited former NFL superstar wideout Hines Ward for his influence in helping him to learn to take care of his body. Ward, a 14-year veteran during his time in the league, is now the Arizona State Sun Devils’ wide receiver coach and thus worked closely with Tyson. Of all of the former receivers to have a positive influence on your new draft pick, the Saints struck gold with Ward and Tyson.
The New Orleans offense has undergone quite a bit of change this offseason, change that has excited fans. With the free agency additions of running back Travis Etienne Jr., tight end Noah Fant and offensive lineman David Edwards, the selection of Tyson is just a cherry on top of what has been a surprising and invigorating offseason for the Saints, who still have seven selections scheduled before the 2026 NFL Draft comes to a close.
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