The New Orleans Saints finished last in the NFC South and have a top-10 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. But, the vibes are high, as Tyler Shough is the answer at QB the Saints have been looking for since Drew Brees.
Not only is Shough looking like the next franchise quarterback, but Chris Olave had the best season as a professional, and the overall rookie class was outstanding from the first round to the last.
Now, heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. Predicts the Saints will further help the offense by taking a wide receiver in the top-10. Specifically, Kiper has the Saints taking red zone threat, and Arizona State Sun Devils WR Jordyn Tyson 8th overall.
Saints predicted to pair Chris Olave with big WR from Arizona State
"However," Kiper writes, "Olave is under contract for only one more year, and even if the Saints extend him, they still need more pass-catching options for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough....Tyson could immediately be a red zone target for Shough thanks to his strength and ability on contested catches."
Tyson is one of the more interesting wide receivers in this draft class. There's a lot of attention on Carnell Tate out of Ohio State and Makai Lemon out of USC, but Tyson might be one of the best red-zone receivers in the class.
He's 6'2'', 200 pounds, and has put up strong touchdown numbers the last few seasons at Arizona State. This year, he had 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns, and in 2024, he had 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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Tyson and Olave would make for a nice wide receiver duo, and add on Devaughn Vele, this wide receiver room in 2026 could look very strong for Shough's second season in the NFL.
Wide receiver is a big need for the Saints, regardless of the future of Olave in New Orleans. Even if he comes back, having a strong number two would be a big boost for the offense going forward.
While not a direct 1-1 comparison, Tyson and Olave could become Kellen Moore's AJ Brown and Devonta Smith in New Orleans. Having two good wide receivers is important, and Kiper predicts the Saints make such a pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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