Jordyn Tyson’s Rising Profile in NFL Draft
When you see Jordyn Tyson in a uniform, it’s easy to think of someone like Odell Beckham Jr. Or maybe even Jackson Smith-Njigba, especially as he navigates routes with impressive separation.
It’s not hard to understand why many NFL teams looking for receivers are eager for Tyson. This includes the Giants, who recently picked up two first-round draft spots (Nos. 5 and 10) through the Dexter Lawrence trade, along with the Jets at No. 16.
“He does it all,” noted an NFL scout who rated both Tyson and Malik Nabors (2024 class) equivalently. “He’s always open. The speed at which he approaches the top of his routes is remarkable—his movements are efficient, and he has the downfield speed to compete. His hands? Excellent. He checks many boxes—slightly bigger than JSN but faster,” the scout added.
Yet, there are lingering worries about Tyson, standing at 6 feet 2 inches, potentially facing injury issues like Beckham, whose career suffered significantly after three outstanding seasons. Beckham recently showcased his skills for the Giants again.
Tyson’s college injuries are notable; he missed 17 games due to a left ACL tear and other ligament issues in late 2022, a collarbone fracture in 2024, and a hamstring strain in 2025.
This uncertainty mirrors the hesitation around Smith-Njigba, who, named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2025, made a questionable decision to refrain from the 2023 draft. He missed ten games during his final Ohio State season due to a hamstring injury.
A former Chargers team doctor expressed some discomfort but also noted that if there were chronic hamstring issues, they would likely have shown up during the NFL combine. “Missing the combine and pro day wasn’t a concern for me; he wasn’t at full strength yet,” he remarked. “He plays aggressively, so the collarbone injury isn’t too troubling. The only worry could be the knee injury, but there are three years of solid tape on him. Potential downgrades might suggest, ‘I feel fine today, but I might have arthritis’—yet he performs like someone without it.”
If anything, Tyson’s athleticism is energetic and captivating.
“I’m a huge fan. His talent is off the charts,” remarked one NFL offensive coach, comparing him to OBJ as a route runner but pointing out that OBJ had superior hands.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen witnessed Tyson’s explosive capabilities during a personal workout, just after they shared a meal near Arizona State.
“He can play both inside and outside,” stated another offensive coach. “I see him as a perfect No. 2 receiver, especially alongside Malik Nabors. His pressing strength might not qualify him as a true No. 1 ‘X’ receiver, and he lacks the blazing speed to outrun defenders on the outside consistently, but his hands and ability to make contested catches are impressive. His body control and yards after catches also look good, though there are questions about his toughness.”
Toughness resonates deeply with Hines Ward, a Pro Bowler and receivers coach at Arizona State. Ward remembers an instance when Tyson strained his hamstring during a game against Texas Tech.
“I tried to pull him, and a lot of scouts didn’t understand,” Ward recounted. “He said, ‘Coach, I love my teammates. You never know what might happen. If this is my last game, I want to give it everything I’ve got, even if I can’t run routes.’”
“He was fundamental in that last drive,” he added, pointing to Tyson’s four catches for 55 yards that contributed to winning the game. “That’s when I realized his toughness and heart. It mirrors my own approach as a player. I never wanted to leave the field. I find it amusing when people question his toughness.”
The team doctor stated he would approve Tyson’s playing through a medical review. “I don’t consider him ‘injury-prone’,” he commented. “We’ll need to evaluate the medicals, but I don’t see health being a significant deterrent. His training focused on meeting expectations.”
For the Giants, Nabors is recovering from a torn ACL and demands plenty of targets when healthy. The status of other receivers, like Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Austin III, remains uncertain for the 2027 season. However, envisioning a partnership between Nabors and Tyson looks promising, reminiscent of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
“I’m not frightened by the risk of injury,” mentioned the scout. “He’s the best receiver available in this draft, and, particularly for the Giants, it’s a gamble worth taking. Jackson Dart isn’t the most precise quarterback, but Tyson’s ability to find space will surely help.”
Ward, a Steelers legend, is accompanying Tyson to the draft in Pittsburgh.
“I tell all teams, you’re getting a winner,” Ward stated.
