Saints Weigh Drafting Injury-Prone Receiver Jordyn Tyson

Arizona State star's history of ACL, collarbone, and hamstring issues raise concerns ahead of NFL Draft

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:58pm

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-air catch, with their body and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form, conveying the dynamic motion and potential risk of an injury-prone prospect.A cubist interpretation of a wide receiver's aerial acrobatics highlights the inherent risks and rewards of drafting an injury-prone talent.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints are considering drafting wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the 8th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, despite his extensive injury history over the past four college seasons. Tyson, who has caught 158 passes for 2,282 yards and 22 touchdowns, has dealt with a torn ACL, MCL and PCL, a broken collarbone, and recurring hamstring issues during his time at Colorado and Arizona State.

Why it matters

The Saints are in need of offensive weapons to surround quarterback Tyler Shough, and Tyson is viewed as one of the top receiver prospects in the draft. However, his injury history could give the team pause, as they weigh the risk versus the potential reward of selecting him so early.

The details

Tyson's injury issues began in 2022 when he tore multiple ligaments in his knee while at Colorado, forcing him to miss the final three games and the entire 2023 season. He then transferred to Arizona State, where he had a strong 2024 campaign, but broke his collarbone and missed the Big 12 championship game and College Football Playoffs. This past season, Tyson dealt with hamstring problems in both legs, causing him to sit out the Sun Devils' final three games.

  • In 2022, Tyson tore his ACL, MCL and PCL while at Colorado, forcing him to miss the final three games and the entire 2023 season.
  • In 2024, Tyson broke his collarbone while at Arizona State, causing him to miss the Big 12 championship game and College Football Playoffs.
  • In 2025, Tyson dealt with hamstring issues in both legs, leading him to sit out Arizona State's final three games.

The players

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver prospect from Arizona State University who has dealt with a number of significant injuries over the past four college seasons.

Tyler Shough

The starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, who the team is looking to surround with more offensive weapons in the upcoming NFL Draft.

New Orleans Saints

An NFL team with the 8th overall pick in the upcoming draft, who are considering selecting Tyson despite his injury history.

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What’s next

The Saints will continue to evaluate Tyson's medical history and overall talent ahead of the NFL Draft, weighing the risk versus the potential reward of selecting him with the 8th overall pick.

The takeaway

Tyson's extensive injury history over the past four college seasons will be a major factor for the Saints as they decide whether to use their first-round pick on the talented wide receiver. His medical evaluations and ability to prove his health will be crucial in determining if New Orleans is willing to take a chance on him.