The New Orleans Saints made a splash in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the No. 8 overall pick. It was a move that addressed a clear need for the offense, and Tyson is expected to provide immediate support for quarterback Tyler Shough in his second season.
However, don't expect Tyson to be a frontrunner for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award just yet. ESPN's Ben Solak recently laid out a compelling case for why the rookie is a long shot for the prestigious end-of-season honor, and his reasoning centers on one key factor: role.
"WR2s don't typically win the award, and Tyson is surely the WR2 behind Chris Olave," Solak notes. He does acknowledge that the Saints ran the fastest-paced offense in the NFL last season, which could give Tyson more opportunities to rack up stats. Still, he's intrigued but not ready to commit.
Context is everything here. The Saints' offense showed flashes of being a breakout unit in 2025, and with Shough entering his second year, there's hope for even more progress. Tyson could certainly put together a solid season thanks to a healthy target share—even as the No. 2 option. But as long as Olave remains the top target in New Orleans, the rookie's path to OROY glory is narrow.
It's worth noting that the Saints and Olave have been in extension talks this offseason, signaling that the veteran wideout will remain the focal point of the passing game. If Tyson were to step into the WR1 role for an extended stretch, his odds would naturally improve. But for now, that's not the reality.
Tyson will face stiff competition from the likes of Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love, and Carnell Tate. Still, Solak ranks him fifth among his OROY candidates—a testament to the fact that while it's unlikely, it's not impossible. If Shough takes a leap and Tyson can produce consistently, even as a WR2, he could make some noise.
For now, consider Tyson a dark horse. The talent is there, but the opportunity—at least in Year 1—may not be enough to bring home the hardware.