The New Orleans Saints have shown a willingness to bet on talent over medical history, and that trend could continue in the 2026 NFL Draft. Last year, the team selected quarterback Tyler Shough, who carried an "injury-prone" label into the pros, and were rewarded with a healthy and productive rookie season. That successful gamble might just give them the confidence to target Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, a dynamic playmaker facing similar concerns.
Tyson's college career was indeed marred by setbacks, costing him 34% of his possible games. A devastating multi-ligament knee injury wiped out his 2022 freshman year and the entire 2023 season. After a strong return in 2024, a broken collarbone sidelined him for a playoff push, and a hamstring issue shortened his 2025 campaign. However, the Saints' front office may view this as a case of brutal luck rather than a chronic problem, as each injury was to a different part of his body and unrelated to the last.
The parallel to Tyler Shough is striking. Shough's pre-draft resume featured consecutive broken collarbones and a broken leg—a run of misfortune, not a single recurring weakness. He proved his durability as a rookie, and the Saints hope Tyson could follow the same path. For a team looking to add explosive weapons, Tyson's proven talent when on the field could be worth the calculated risk.
Adding a receiver of Tyson's caliber would be a major boost for the Saints' offense. His recent official visit to the team's Metairie headquarters and upcoming individual pro day on April 17 indicate serious mutual interest. If New Orleans believes they can keep him healthy, pairing Tyson with a now-established Shough could create a dangerous offensive duo for years to come, making that past risk on the quarterback look even smarter.
