Sun Devils in D.C.? It might end up being a thing for the Washington Commanders.
Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft predicts Washington will continue to build around Pro Bowl quarterback Jayden Daniels — a former Arizona State star — by drafting current Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson in the first round (No. 27 overall) of the 2026 NFL draft.
Tyson is coming off a breakout season for the Sun Devils in 2024 with 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games. He helped lead Arizona State into the College Football Playoff for the first time and was named All-Big 12 and Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
The Commanders are currently in a bit of a tempest at wide receiver with NFL All-Pro Terry McLaurin currently staying away from offseason workouts as he seeks a contract extension that could make him one of the NFL’s highest paid players.
From PFN: “Considering how the Washington Commanders are handling Terry McLaurin’s contract, it may be a sign they need to look for younger options at receiver. Regardless, having a reliable target like Jordyn Tyson would take Washington’s offense to another level.”
Tyson Battled Back From Injuries in 2023
Tyson, 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, led Colorado with 22 reception for 470 yards and 5 touchdowns as a true freshman in 2022 as the Buffaloes went 1-11 then transferred to Arizona State, where he only played 3 games in 2023 due to a knee injury.
Tyson bounced back with his breakout season in 2024 guided by Arizona State wide receivers coachand former Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward.
“He’s just putting in the work every single day,” Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham told The Arizona Republic. “Work, work, work. Good mindset. Jordyn’s an elite competitor.”
ESPN draft experts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller both have Tyson as the No. 2 wide receiver prospect in the 2026 draft class.
From NFL Draft Buzz: “Tyson’s breakout 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, as he hauled in 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to third-team All-America honors. The springy wideout dominated opponents during a six-game stretch where he racked up 732 yards (104.0 per game) and six scores on 50 receptions. His signature performance came in a crucial road win at Kansas State, where he shredded the Wildcats for 176 yards and two touchdowns on 12 catches.”
Tyson’s older brother, Jaylon Tyson, was a first round pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2024 NBA draft.
Working from the slot, Jordyn Tyson’s foot speed and rapid re-acceleration can induce panic and imbalance in defenders.
His smooth pacing can lull DBs to sleep early in reps, leading him to capitalize with that turf-eating turbo button.
Tyson Could Be Top Wide Receiver in 2026 Draft Class
Tyson is expected to be one of the top wide receivers available in a draft class that, if anything, might suffer by comparison to the 2027 class, where Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is a potential No. 1 overall pick.
“Tyson possesses requisite athleticism, frame, football IQ to be a high draft pick — along with an unteachable ability to break press coverage,” Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Hicks wrote on June 29. “The Texas native is already part of an extremely athletic family, as his brother Jaylon was a first round pick in the 2024 NBA draft — the Arizona State star could face the same fate, as many NFL teams are sure to be in the market for a player of Tyson’s mold.”
