Jordyn Tyson goes to Saints at 8th overall, giving offense another weapon

Jordyn Tyson of the Arizona State Sun Devils was the second receiver taken in the NFL Draft. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Christian Petersen via Getty Images)

The New Orleans Saints seemingly hit a home run last year at quarterback, taking Tyler Shough in the second round. This year, it was time to get Shough some help.

The Saints took Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick. The knock on Tyson has been that he dealt with numerous injuries through his college career. His talent was hard to deny, however. Without injury issues, he could have easily been the first receiver selected on Thursday night. Tyson had 711 yards and eight touchdowns last season but played in only nine games. There’s some risk involved for the Saints but they swung for the upside.

It should immediately benefit Shough. Shough didn’t begin last season as the Saints’ starting quarterback, but once he was inserted in the lineup he played well. Shough’s strong second half of the season allowed the Saints to not worry about quarterback in a draft class that didn’t have many options at that position. Instead, they could take a shot on a player like Tyson.

The Saints can pair Tyson with Chris Olave, another former first-round pick who has dealt with injuries through his pro career. If both stay healthy, they can form a strong duo at receiver for a Saints team that is still building under coach Kellen Moore.

There will be some concerns about Tyson’s durability. But the Saints are gambling he’ll stay healthy, because the potential payoff could be huge.