There always seems to be a top NFL draft prospect with serious injury red flags, with just as serious talent.

This year, the New York Jets are expected to be directly involved in the process to determine if that very type of prospect is worthy of being a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

The talent surrounding Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is undeniable. He recorded 19 total touchdowns in just 21 games over the past two seasons, while carrying a strong 6-foot-2, 203-pound frame that should fit well in the NFL.

For as good as Tyson is, though, there is a major red flag with his status. A lingering hamstring injury suffered during training camp of his final year with the Sun Devils continues to hold back the wideout. He did not participate in the NFL Scouting Combine and now won’t be working out at his pro day.

Is the latest injury update enough to keep the Jets from potentially drafting Tyson with the 16th overall pick?

If anything, it at least muddies the waters even more.

Tyson’s injury history

It’s not just the hamstring injury that has fans torn on the explosive weapon. Tyson suffered a serious knee injury in 2022, when he tore his PCL, MCL, and ACL. He played in just three games the following year.

In 2024, he suffered a collarbone injury that held him out of the team’s final two games, including a College Football Playoff loss to Texas. He also missed three games in the second half of the 2025 season due to his hamstring strain.

That kind of injury history usually pushes a player past the point where he would be drafted based solely on talent. Considering he hasn’t performed in any capacity since November and is still dealing with the hamstring strain, there could be concern that the injury may be something that follows him into his rookie campaign.

There are, though, examples of players with extensive college injuries who went on to have Hall-of-Fame careers. Frank Gore suffered two ACL injuries in both knees and still had a Hall-of-Fame career.

Matthew Stafford also had injuries to deal with early in his college journey at Georgia. He is now the reigning league MVP.

Taking a player with injury designations, much like any player in the draft, is like a lottery ticket. Sometimes it still works out because of the prospect’s obvious talent. Other times, though, they are a warning that should have been heeded.

For the Jets, they need to determine what they can work through.

Jets draft outlook

One reason the Jets will still be considering Tyson, despite his extensive injury history, is the blatantly obvious need at the position. Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets do not have a dependable second option at receiver.

Tyson’s size and speed are considered a perfect fit for what New York needs in their offense as a pure boundary receiver.

There are other receivers who fit their wide receiver need that don’t carry the same risk either. USC’s Makai Lemon and Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. are players who will also be in consideration with the 16th overall pick.

In most draft circles, Tyson and Lemon are part of a trio of top receivers that are considered the best of the class, along with Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. The Arizona State product’s history could push him down to where the Jets will have to make a decision.

It will be a classic battle between tape and medicals. But for a Jets team whose WR3 is currently projected to be punt returner Isaiah Williams, the tape alone may be enough for New York to look past all the other red flags.