TEMPE, AZ — Twenty-six reps of 225 pounds. That was the raw strength Jordyn Tyson flashed at the NFL Combine, tying for the most among all wideouts. But for the Pittsburgh Steelers and every other front office in the league, the most important number in Tyson’s profile isn’t his bench press—it’s the 14 games he has missed since 2022.
The Tape vs. The Trainer’s Table
Jordyn Tyson is a nightmare for defensive backs. He shredded the Big 12 in 2024, racking up 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. Under the tutelage of Steelers legend Hines Ward at Arizona State, Tyson evolved into a sophisticated separator with the contested-catch toughness that defines the “Black and Gold” identity. Even in a limited 2025 season, he managed 711 yards and 8 scores in just nine games. When he’s on the grass, he’s a first-round lock.
The problem is staying there. Tyson’s medical file reads like a trauma center log. It started with a devastating ACL, MCL, and PCL tear at Colorado in 2022. He bounced back, only to suffer a fractured collarbone that cost him a College Football Playoff run in 2024. This past season, dual hamstring injuries grounded him for four critical weeks. He sat out the 40-yard dash in Indy to protect those same soft tissues, leaving scouts to rely on his “game speed” rather than a stopwatch.
“I know what the talk is. People see the injuries; I see the work it took to come back every single time. My tape shows I’m the best receiver in this class. I’m not just a track guy; I’m a football player who wins the 50/50 balls when the game is on the line.”
— Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State WR
Strategic Fit for the McCarthy Era
General Manager Omar Khan has already been aggressive this offseason, landing Michael Pittman Jr. to pair with DK Metcalf. However, the offense under new head coach Mike McCarthy needs a versatile third option who can thrive in the slot or win on the boundary. Tyson’s route tree is remarkably diverse—running go routes, slants, and curls with equal efficiency.
If Pittsburgh keeps pick No. 21, they face a classic draft-day gamble. Do you take the “safe” prospect with a lower ceiling, or do you swing for the player who Hines Ward calls a “Sunday-ready” technician? The Steelers have 12 picks in this draft, giving them the capital to be bold. If Tyson’s medical re-checks in April come back clean, he won’t just be a target; he could be the steal of the first round.
