Jordyn Tyson could be the man-beating weapon Patrick Mahomes needs most

It feels hard to believe that the Kansas City Chiefs are still in a position where they are looking to find a long-term answer at wide receiver. The Chiefs have taken plenty of swings at the position since Tyreek Hill walked out the door, and so far, it’s netted them Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy—two quality players who both have some weaknesses in their games. Jalen Royals is still a total unknown, and that’s really all that’s left after the 2025 season, with the future unknown for Tyquan Thornton, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

The Chiefs had a very clear weakness in the passing game in 2025: an inability to beat man coverage. Through 13 weeks, the Chiefs offense averaged 0.23 EPA per dropback against zone coverage, the second-best rate in the league. Against man coverage, that number drops to 0.011 and ranks 10th. The Chiefs lack a player who can consistently win against press coverage and over the middle of the field in the intermediate area.

Jordyn Tyson could be the missing piece to the Chiefs offense because he can line up on the outside and get off press coverage. He has a frame that will allow him to live over the middle of the field without getting redirected by corners. This opens up the slot for Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy to be the more dynamic versions of themselves. The Chiefs offense has to change what type of players they are looking for at receiver.

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NFL Draft Profile: Jordyn Tyson, Wide Receiver, Arizona State

Age: 21 (August 12th, 2004)

Height: 6'00" (listed)

Weight: 200 LBS. (listed)

Tape Exposure: Mississippi State (2025) Texas Tech (2025) Kansas State (2024)

Shades of: Brandon Aiyuk

Jordyn Tyson Background

Jordyn Tyson, a former three-sport standout and three-star recruit (247 Sports) out of Allen, Texas, began his college career at Colorado, where he became the program’s first true freshman to record a receiving touchdown in a season opener before a knee injury ended his 2022 season. He transferred to Arizona State the following year and saw limited action in 2023 while recovering, but he broke out in 2024 with 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, a surge that was halted only by a broken collarbone in the regular-season finale.

The 2025 season saw more injury issues for Tyson, who still posted 711 yards and eight touchdowns despite being limited by a hamstring injury. Tyson credits much of his growth to Arizona State wide receivers coach and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward. Tyson’s older brother, Jaylon, was a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Why Jordyn Tyson Fits the Chiefs

Route Running

Tyson can be used all across the field and formations and can separate naturally in and out of breaks. He can win on the outside and in the slot and has had plenty of success on in-breaking routes such as digs, hitches, and outs. He’s at his best over the middle of the field in the intermediate area. He’s also shown the ability to stretch the field and track the ball well.

Yards after Catch Ability

Tyson possesses good vision with the ball in his hands and has a certain smoothness to his movement. He can shake defenders in the open field and possesses above-average speed. He doesn’t break many tackles, but he reads the open field well. He also does a nice job of surviving the ground and contact after the catch—an important trait for a player who will thrive over the middle of the field. Tyson has strong athletic ability at 6-2, 205, hit 22.8 mph per GPS tracking data, and can bench press 335 pounds, per Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List.

Separation Skills

Tyson seems to always be able to generate the last little step of separation needed to make the catch. He has nice instincts in zone coverage and is a ball-winner in contested catches. He is a natural hands catcher who uses his frame effectively to understand space and leverage.

Concerns for Jordyn Tyson on the Chiefs

Health

The number-one storyline with Tyson this draft cycle will be his medicals. Tyson lost a season to torn ACL, PCL, and MCL injuries, missed a large part of another season due to a broken collarbone, and missed time this year with a hamstring strain. With his medical history, teams will have to do their due diligence. Don’t be surprised to see Tyson make the rounds on 30 visits this draft cycle.

Lack of Dominant Trait

While Tyson does several things well, he doesn’t have a clear calling card. He’s not a YAC monster, a contested-catch savant, a speed threat, or a route technician. His skill set is above average across the board, but none of it is elite. With the step up in competition, does that hamper his ability to win? What is going to be his calling card against top-shelf cornerbacks?

Ability to beat Press Coverage

Tyson’s frame alone isn’t enough to help him beat press coverage, and he has not shown the ability to consistently use his hands to fight off defenders. He is frequently redirected by press coverage, making him susceptible on the outside. This could lead to him being viewed more as a power slot option than a true X or Y receiver.

Is Jordan Tyson the solution for the Chiefs offense?

Overall, Tyson possesses a skill set that will largely depend on growth at the next level. The passing game at Arizona State makes it difficult to fully project how he will look in an NFL offense. Some traits can translate to high-level receiver play, but between the injuries and weaknesses in his game, he is more projection than a sure thing. If the Chiefs’ scheme can evolve, Tyson might be an answer to their issues against man coverage. However, there is a risk in taking him where he may ultimately be selected in this class.

When healthy, Jordyn Tyson possesses the traits to be a high-end WR2. His ability to separate and consistently win over the middle of the field at the catch point makes him a valuable piece to any NFL offense.

Round Grade: Purple Chip (1st round pick)