NFL legend downplays narratives around potential Jets prospect Jordyn Tyson

The New York Jets are going to get a wide receiver in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The only questions are when and how many they will scoop up.

It's safe to assume that the Jets are hoping one of the big three prospects falls to them with their second first-round pick at No. 16. One of Ohio State's Carnell Tate, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, and USC's Makai Lemon would be a fantastic addition.

The three aren't perfect prospects; each has its own individual concerns. For example, Tyson projects to be the most explosive of the bunch, but injuries throughout his collegiate career plagued him, and there have been questions about his toughness.

If you've lost some faith in Tyson as a prospect, don't take it from draft analysts. Hear it from one of his Arizona State coaches, who happens to be an NFL legend.

Hines Ward pushes back on Jordyn Tyson's toughness concerns

The Sun Devils' wide receivers coach, Pittsburgh Steelers legend Hines Ward, rebuffed the narrative at Tyson's pre-draft workout that the wideout isn't physical or tough.

He recounted a story from this past season that Tyson pushed hard to get back into a game, despite fighting through a hamstring injury.

"When he popped it [hamstring] in the third quarter, I tried to pull him out. A lot of scouts didn't know the story ... He said, "Coach, I love my brothers ... if this is gonna be my last game, I want to do all I can" ... He single handedly on that last drive led us down all the way and helped us win the game ... People questioning JT's toughness, I just laugh at it."

Hines Ward

Ward pointed to NFL teams putting out negative narratives as a way to push prospects down draft boards: "Anything they could do to get you at a cheaper rate, they're going to do it."

When it comes to Tyson, it's fair to disregard the questions regarding his toughness. But one thing you can't deny is the health concerns. He suffered a significant knee injury in 2022, broke his collarbone in 2024, and had recurring hamstring issues this past season.

Despite that, he still managed to pull in 136 receptions, 1,812 yards, and 18 touchdowns over the last two seasons. When healthy, his talent is undeniable.

We'll see if Tyson's injury history is enough to deter him from teams within the top 16 picks, and if he does make it to the Jets, would they take him?

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