The New Orleans Saints tested first round pick Jordyn Tyson right away at rookie minicamp by moving him around to position positions at wide receiver. The Saints selected Tyson with the 8th overall pick of the NFL Draft.
The Saints have massive plans for the rookie Tyson. Typically, young receivers start out focusing on their specific role. However, Saints wide receiver coach Keith Williams sought to challenge Tyson right away in different areas of the field. He lined up as an X-receiver on the outside, a Z-receiver on the strong side, and a slot receiver inside by the offensive line.
Williams said, “I told him that was going to happen on his way coming in. I didn’t give him any knowledge about what the play was going to be because I wanted to see what he can handle… He dealt with it well.”
New Orleans Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore Approves of Rookie
GettySaints needed help at wide receiver outside of Olave coming into the offseason.
Kellen Moore addressed the media after the first day of minicamp. He loved what he saw from Tyson right away, especially with his speed.
Moore said, “He can really go. He’s got some suddenness, some elusiveness. You see his body move pretty well.”
New Orleans Saints writer for Nola.com Matthew Paras wrote about how the rookie Tyson reminded him of Odell Beckham Jr.:
“That elusiveness is what perhaps separates the Saints’ latest first rounder from the rest of his position group. As good as Chris Olave has been for the Saints — and he was second-team All-Pro last season — Tyson’s ability to effortlessly turn his hips and change directions was regarded in such a manner that the 21-year-old even drew lofty, pre-draft comparisons to Beckham.”
Williams presented a witty response to that comparison.
He said, “That is very lofty… They’re both males. We’ll leave it at that for now. They’re both American and they’re both males.”
Regardless of his pro comps, Tyson embraced the challenge of the first day of New Orleans Saints rookie minicamp. He discussed that after practice.
Tyson said, “When I look at plays, I don’t look at just one person. I look at the whole concept because you’re going to run that same concept out [of] a different formation and you might be on a different route. You have to look at it conceptually.”
Jordyn Tyson’s Prospect Profile
GettyTyson was a consensus top three wide receiver prospect in this most recent NFL Draft.
Tyson caught 136 catches for 1812 yards and 18 touchdowns in two years starting at Arizona State University. The New Orleans Saints rookie witnessed plenty of praise prior to the NFL Draft.
PFF ranked Tyson as the 19th overall prospect on their NFL Draft big board. He graded out very well the last two seasons at ASU. He received an overall grade of 82.9 in 2025, including a 89 grade against man coverage.
PFF wrote, “Tyson has WR1 ability and versatility. His explosiveness is not just NFL-caliber but has the potential to be top-tier at the next level. If he continues to refine his technique — particularly his releases and route running — and can stay healthy despite a consistent injury history, he has the upside to develop into a Pro Bowl- and even All-Pro-caliber player.”
Dane Brugler of the Athletic ranked Tyson as the third best wide receiver in the draft and gave him a first or second round grade. Brugler noted that the New Orleans Saints rookie was a tricky player to evaluate because of his injuries and athleticism. However, he praised his route running ability.
Brugler said, “Tyson’s injury history is concerning, but on the field, he is a sleek, twitched-up athlete who can create his own separation and win outside his frame at the catch point. He projects as an NFL starter (inside or outside), with a skill set that reminds me of Stefon Diggs.”
New Orleans Saints Rookie First Rounder Challenged at Minicamp